Surrender

Crank up the stereo, and let the pregnant, shimmying tones that are the opening of the Chemical Brothers' latest invade the room. Sit back and prepare to be entertained like you have never been entertained before.

In case you are in any doubt, the first track, 'Music: Response', confidently spells out a somewhat ambitious aim, promising "Music that triggers some kind of a response." Love it or hate it, that is a pretty fair summary of what the brothers have provided.

Although the DJ tracks are strong, the album is punctuated with stand-out guest performances. After more than a year in the studio, Tom Rowlands and Ed Simons seem virtually hell-bent on cementing their reputation as the kings of collaboration, with contributions from the likes of New Order's Bernard Sumner and his pal Bobby Gillespie.

Following the 1996 success of 'Setting Sun', Noel Gallagher returns to provide Lennon-esque vocals on 'Let Forever Be'. Described as 'organic electronics', this is their most live-sounding track to date, and the retro, poppy feel could well cash in on the previous success of this pairing.

The hippy-groove-thang carries on in 'The Sunshine Underground' mix. Oriental chimes and tranquil pan pipes summon up a New Age vibe, while feelgood tribal beats and rumbling vocals build with virtually undetectable speed into a jungle frenzy.

Providing an always welcome female touch, and joining the increasing number of dance acts blending sexy beats with seductive, purring vocals, Mazzy Star vocalist Hope Sandoval follows where Beth Orton dared to tread, with a drugged-out, whispering performance any wannabe Lolita would be proud of on 'Asleep From Day'.

Last up to the mike, Jonathan Donahue of Mercury Rev provides guitar and vocals on the final track, 'Dream On'. An almost hypnotically laid-back tune, it supplies a gentle full stop to this eclectic and somewhat challenging album. Always keen on experimentation, Surrender changes direction several times mid-flow, and while some may find the blend of styles distracting or frustrating, a greater number will find the variety refreshing and enlightening.

To quote the current single, what can you do, but surrender to the might of the 'superstar DJs'?