Track analysis: Chemical Brothers ‘Saturate’

Track analysis: Chemical Brothers ‘Saturate’

4 March, 2008 | 6.22AM

• Written by: culprit1
• Filed under: Music News: chemical brothers, track analysis

The Chemical Brothers’ latest Grammy-winning album ‘We Are The Night’ is an immensely inspiring collection of psychedelic electronica.

One of the album’s many highlights is the epic dance anthem ‘Saturate’.

This track marks a return to form for the Chems, revitalising those classic barnstorming, block rockin’ beats with some exemplary thematic development.

You can listen to the track at the Chemical Brothers’ MySpace page, whilst following the track analysis below.

0.00 – 0.06

A delicate introductory motif, establishing a short chordal pattern that will form the basis of the track. 

0.07s – 0.14

A percussive click is introduced, alleviating any rhythmic ambiguity for the listener.

The click dictates a straight crotchet beat, always a useful musical tool in order for us dancing folk to seize the beat in a club.

0.15 – 0.42

First appearance of the main melody.

Repeated four times, it efficiently provides a hint of the blissful thematic development to come.

0.43 – 0.50

The melody is transposed an octave lower, the Chems employing a taut bass patch as part of a neat musical break before…

0.51 – 1.04

…a short, sharp synth joins the action.

Note that the now-elongated bass patch (an octave lower again) plays in unison with the synth, fattening the melody and really driving things forward.

A four-to-the-floor beat is also introduced, providing a firm propulsive force.

1.05 – 1.11

A mid-range, trancey synth patch is introduced, again playing the same melody and resourcefully filling the sonic spectrum.

1.12 – 1.18

The Chems double up the melody yet again, ushering in a raspy hum which in turn leads in to a typically epic tom roll.

1.19 – 1.33

As the slightly-altered melody holds steady, the introductory theme is warped in to a sustained pattern of block chords, as opposed to a slow-moving rhythmic motif.

The drums introduced at this point are undeniably huge.

They’re sampled from a real kit and sound colossal.

1.34 – 1.40

It’s that bass-focussed musical break again, as heard previously at 0.43s.

1.41 – 2.08

A repeat of 0.51 – 1.19, solidifying the melodic development.

2.09 – 2.37

A repeat of 1.19-1.33, but now doubled in length.

At 2.23, the listener is introduced to a reassuringly sturdy keyboard line, atop of the harmonious cacophony.

2.38 – 2.51

We’re back to the introductory theme, again with that useful clubber’s click.

2.52 – 3.05

Some great production trickery here, as the melody pans across from left to right and then back again.

As I’ve mentioned in previous articles, it’s clever touches such as these that really add longevity to a track.

3.06 – 3.21

The entry of a solid bass drum provides real power and momentum.

The introductory theme is subjected to aggressive filtering techniques, ensuring added clout and depth.

3.22 – 3.34

The introduction of a spooky, high-pitched synth line.

The Chems utilise a very thin EQ to guarantee that this musical ornamentation does not muddle the mix.

3.35 – 4.17

A repeat of 2.09 – 2.37, but again, slightly extended.

We’re reacquainted with the keyboard line first heard at 2.23, but this time it’s gradually rising in pitch.

This is a witty compositional device that creates genuine tension, but it’s suitably released when…

4.18 – end

…we return to the introductory theme, but on this occasion it’s once again comparatively static, underpinning a light smattering of cosmic FX.

The haunting keyboard line first heard at 3.22 makes a re-appearance before that epic drum-roll rounds things off in style.

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In conclusion, this track is a great example of what can be achieved if producers experiment with different patches or sounds whilst retaining an almost constant melody or theme.

‘Saturate’ is a musical triumph of quality over quantity; a “less is more” approach that reinstates the Chemical Brothers as leaders in their field.

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