While the title is suggestive of a 70s style concept album, presumably referring to the chemist and inventor who came up with the Gaia hypothesis, the truth is slightly more prosaic. Quite why the Bristol based five piece Indie band has chosen such an esoteric title for their debut album is unclear. But that doesn’t take away from what is a very decent first offering, filled with aggressive guitars and melodic choruses. Twelve slices of catchy three minute Brit pop are book ended by Richard E Grant’s spoken introduction and the closing cover of Britney Spears’ Toxic.
Highlights are the fast paced This City, the impressive single Something For the Weekend, the rocker To Die For which evokes early Snow Patrol, and Milk and Honey which features a frantic guitar riff and showcases Johnny Benn’s impressive vocal range. Perhaps not so strong are Radio Booth, a song that drags somewhat and the overly repetitive A Bit of Education with its one line shouted chorus. The one song I could do without is Waiting, not because it is a bad song, but due to its slow pace and psychedelic style which feel rather out of place on this album.
Overall this is an exciting collection of songs, perhaps lacking a bit of focus in places, but ultimately pleasing. The Chemists are carving out a reputation as a fine live band and this album shows that they can also produce in the studio, capturing some of that raw energy in a manner that many bands ultimately fail to do. Mark the name: you will be hearing a lot more of this band in the coming years.
