Friday 11/03/05 The Chemical Brothers @ The Apollo, Manchester

Enjoying a resurgence and somewhat of a musical renaissance with the now ubiquitous ‘Galvanise’ and the thoroughly ace album ‘Push the Button’, tonight there was a certain air of expectation that The Chemical Brothers were going to produce something great. However, little could have prepared Gigwise and the hordes of Tina Gurners decking out the venue for just how special it was. From the opening hammering refrain of “Hey boys, hey girls, superstar DJs, here we go” to the closing mystical rumblings of ‘The Private Psychedelic Reel’, Tom and Ed took the Apollo on a sonic journey that felt almost spiritual. 

For over two hours, spellbound by the mesmerising beats, strobe lighting and hypnotic visuals, the homogenous crowd are whipped into an electrifying frenzy. Christ, after tonight, even one of those bitter cynics that unceasingly tell you dance music is dying on its arse would be forced to admit there’s still plenty of life in the old beast. Perhaps the potency of tonight’s performance is not just down The Chemicals relying on the sheer brilliance of the big ‘hit singles’ – instead they concoct a coherent, playful and immaculate set fused together by less conspicuous album tracks and little-known tech-tinged opuses.

True, the beeping acid carnival that is ‘Music Response’ is typically brilliant, the pounding ‘Block Rockin’ Beats’ is satisfyingly brutal, the tech masterpiece that is ‘Out Of Control’ is tempestuous, while an unusually down-tempo ‘Galvanise’ is exhilarating. But elsewhere, tracks such as ‘Come Inside’, ‘Star Guitar’ and an ethereal ‘Hold Tight London’ take on extra resonance and almost another dimension in their sprawling live form. Couple all this with the baffling backdrops, such as the dancing OAP, the exploding pot of tea, and Gigwise’s favourite - the scary-as-**** clown and it feels as though you’ve stuck your brain in a washing machine for a fast spin. Which is never a bad feeling! 

Thankfully, and as if things couldn’t get any better, the best is saved till last. Building up to their encore The Brothers drop a radiant ‘Surface To Air’ – with the soft bass and ambient electronica clamour prompting the audience to embrace. Finishing with the perpetual 'The Private Psychedelic Reel', the cacophony of spectacular noise and swooning atmospherics makes for an entirely fitting ending to a stunning night. As someone who bore witness to The Chemical Brothers’ defining headline set at Glastonbury 2000, Gigwise can personally say that tonight may well have just topped it. Tom and Ed, we thank you.

Photos by Shirlaine Forrest