By Christian Bell

Staff Writer

It has been nearly three years since the Chemical Brothers released their last LP, but the time in between has only strengthened the group, as their latest CD ``Come With Us,'' which was released on Tuesday, exemplifies.

Tom and Ed Rowlands, the Chemical Brothers, have been synonymous with experimental and captivating electronic music since the release of their first album, ``Exit Planet Dust,'' in 1995, although they didn't gain mainstream notoriety until 1997 when their singles ``Block Rockin' Beats'' and ``Setting Sun'' hit the Top 100 lists on radio stations across the nation. In 1999, their ``Let Forever Be'' single was an instant hit.

The Chemical Brothers have always relied on a unique combination of heavy beats, vinyl mixes, and general mixing board mastery to accomplish their unique sound. They produce their songs by mixing elements from a variety of musical genres, and the result has been music that spans all kinds of barriers.

The new LP ``Come With Us'' is unlike their previous three albums in many ways. It is fair to say, however, that upon listening to their latest release, the changes have been only good. Tom and Ed are showing with their latest album that they still know how to make a crowd move, and how to influence the electronic music genre. More house and progressive elements dot the 10-song lineup, but there is plenty of ``traditional'' Chemical Brothers style to appeal to all fans.

The CD opens up with an amazing dramatic crescendo that includes the lyrics, ``Come with us and leave your earth behind...our universe is at your side...behold we are coming back!'' Indeed, the Chemical Brothers are back in fantastic style.

Also on the CD are the pre-album hits ``It Began in Afrika,'' and ``Star Guitar.'' The LP version of ``Afrika'' is unlike the other two versions found on the previously released single, giving fans a third remix of the track.

``Galaxy Bounce'' is the staple big-beat rave track on the album. Meanwhile, ``My Elastic Eye'' sounds like a Japanese-influenced trance track - unique for the Chemical Brothers, but well done nonetheless. ``The State We're In'' and ``The Test'' are the ubiquitous vocal tracks that appear on every Chemical Brothers CD.

The most incredible track on the album is ``Denmark,'' possibly the most house-driven track the Chemical Brothers have ever released. DJs everywhere, take note: it's amazing. The track sounds just as though it were written to be the apogee of an amazing rave set.

``Come With Us'' is like their other three albums: the types of music and the consistency of the style is the same. Even so, every song on ``Come With Us'' is fresh and energetic. For any fan of the Chemical Brothers or electronic music, it's money well spent.

The Chemical Brothers invite you to ``Come With Us'' in their latest album; if where they're leading is the dance floor, it's an easy decision to follow.