Enter Planet Chemical Brothers
"The Brothers going to work it out..." And apparently so am I in this post. ;)
Please note: Forgive me in advance for this is going to be a deep dive into one of the most influential electronic duos out there in EDM.
The Chemical Brothers are an English electronic music duo formed by Ed Simons and Tom Rowlands in Manchester in 1992 (also famously known as Madchester). They were pioneers in bringing the big beat genre to the forefront of pop culture. Originally known as The Dust Brothers, they changed their name due to the existence of another band with the same name.
Their first album, Exit Planet Dust, sold over one million copies and debuted at No. 9 on the UK Albums Chart. They achieved further success with their second album, Dig Your Own Hole (1997), which topped the UK chart.
However, as The Dust Brothers some of the early EPs established what would be very big beats combined with the strangest, definitely psychedelic (and sometimes ambient) samples. For example, listen to “Her Jazz” on the Fourteenth Century Sky E.P.
The music that the Chemical Brothers create is known for its innovative use of electronic sounds and beats, and they have a reputation for their energetic live performances as well.
Exit Planet Dust
Exit Planet Dust is the debut studio album by The Chemical Brothers (1995). The album features a blend of big beat, electronica, psychedelia, and acid house. The title is a nod to their departure from the band’s first name, The Dust Brothers.
The album includes tracks like "Leave Home," "Life Is Sweet," and "Chemical Beats," and it received critical acclaim, peaking at number 9 on the UK Albums Chart. It was released by Junior Boy's Own and Virgin Records in the UK, and by Astralwerks in the US.
The “Life is Sweet” track from this album and the “Life is Sweet (Daft Punk Remix)” track from the Life is Sweet EP (1995) are both must listen tracks! If you are familiar with Daft Punk then you know this remix really gave them some very early exposure 2 years before their Homework album.
Surrender
The Chemical Brothers third studio album is Surrender, released in 1999. This album features some of their most iconic tracks, including "Hey Boy Hey Girl," "Let Forever Be," "Out of Control," and "Under The Influence".
The album is known for its blend of big beat, electronica, and house music, and it marked a significant point in their career, showcasing their ability to experiment with different electronic styles.
Listening to “Hey Boy Hey Girl” is a must as it is an essential track for any Chemical Brothers fan. This track evolved from being an opening/warm up number to the full length track it is today.
Watching the video for “Hey Boy Hey Girl” is another experience entirely and it features a neat cameo by the Brothers too. “Under The Influence” is also an amazing track on Surrender, the bassline makes it a club killer!
Come With Us
"The Test" is a track by The Chemical Brothers from their fourth studio album, Come with Us, released in 2002. The song features vocals by Richard Ashcroft, the lead singer of The Verve. The track is known for its hypnotic beats and psychedelic lyrics, creating a unique auditory experience.
The music video for "The Test" is equally captivating, featuring surreal and dreamlike visuals that complement the song's trippy vibe. The song reached notable chart positions, including number 14 in the United Kingdom and number 11 in Spain.
Push The Button
Push the Button is the fifth studio album by The Chemical Brothers and released in 2005. The album received mostly positive reviews from music critics and won the Grammy Award for Best Electronic/Dance Album in January 2006.
Essential tracks from Push The Button that are a must listen:
Galvanize
Believe
The Big Jump
Other than the track Galvanize, Push The Button did not really deliver that many groundbreaking sounds. However, it did seem to lay the ground for what come next... We Are The Night.
We Are The Night
We Are The Night is the sixth studio album by The Chemical Brothers and released in 2007. The Brothers are back at it once again with several killer tracks this time!
Essential tracks from Push The Button that are a must listen:
Saturate
Do It Again
The Salmon Dance
Battle Scars
The first intro track “No Path To Follow” is a sample from “Battle Scars”
Do It Again, Live
The Chemical Brothers' live shows are renowned for their spectacular lighting effects and visuals.
The creative masterminds behind their impressive live show concept are Adam Smith and Marcus Lyall. They have been working with the duo for around 25 years, creating a dynamic and immersive experience for the audience. The lighting director, Jean-Christophe Aubrée, also plays a crucial role in live shows.
The Brothers live shows feature a massive vanish video wall, intricate lighting setups, and even giant robots with lasers for eyes. It's a truly unforgettable experience! 🎶
If you ever get the chance to see them live, it's definitely worth it. My wife and I were lucky enough to enjoy seeing The Chemical Brothers live at Ultra Music Festival 2011 in Biscayne Park, Miami.
Grammy Winners
It’s odd that The Chemical Brothers have created such abstract, electronic dance music that is way out there and somehow still very accessible. They have even had a successful run at the Grammy Awards over the years.
The Chemical Brothers have won six Grammy Awards and received 15 nominations. Their latest album, For That Beautiful Feeling, has been nominated for Best Dance/Electronic Music Album at the 2024 Grammys.
To date their Grammy wins include:
Best Rock Instrumental Performance
Best Dance Recording
Best Dance/Electronic Album
Their innovative music and energetic live performances have earned them a significant place in the electronic music scene that will Let Forever Be!