One record at a time: 46. The Chemical Brothers - We Are The Night

"We Are The Night" came out in 2007. I type this fact without checking and with absolute certainty as this album formed part of the soundtrack to one of the most tumultuous years of my life. Like many of us, music is one of the crutches I rely on in times of uncertainty and listening to this album helped keep me afloat psychologically. 

This double vinyl copy was purchased much later in 2018 and features a different cover to the original release. This is another record that I have never played and the cellophane remained intact until this play through. Like all of the Chemical Brothers records I have written about recently, this pressing has good sound quality and is well presented.

Reading the Wikipedia article for this album reveals that there were some less than favourable reviews at the time of release. I think there may have been a bit of a changing of the guard when it came to 'trendy' electronic music in 2007. Artists such as Simian Mobile Disco, Justice and Digitalism had emerged and became the darlings of certain commentators and journalists. The accusation seemed to be The Chemicals were ploughing the same furrow they had ten years before and there were new kings in town. 

Yet, in 2021, having released a run of disappointing albums, Simian Mobile Disco have gone on hiatus, Justice seem to be concentrating on DJing and Digitalism have only released three albums in fifteen years.

Seeing The Chemical Brothers live is quite an experience

The Chemical Brothers on the other hand continue to tour, remix and release new material at a consistent pace. Having seen the band live supporting the "No Geography" album in 2019, I can attest to their longevity and their unparalleled ability to create amazing new music. Personally, I never thought The Chemicals were recycling; it always sounded like they were innovating to me. Yes, they clearly had a unique sound, but it was constantly evolving and moving between genres. The difference between "Exit Planet Dust" and "We Are The Night" is obvious and, in places, quite stark. 

My favourites here are "Saturate", "Burst Generator" and the single "Do It Again". As usual is usual with a Chemicals album, the weaker tracks are the collaborations. "Battle Scars" and "The Pills Won't Help You Now" meander along without making much impression, but they aren't offensive to the ear at least. The jury is still out for "The Salmon Dance". I can't decide if it is absolute garbage or incredibly clever. 3/5