The Chemists (supporting The Music) Edinburgh Picture House Oct 08
Written by Becki
It was a tour that could never evade the sardonic eye; ‘The Chemists are supporting The Music’. Although this may well be the first time that the two bands have worked together, it is certainly not the first time that the chemists have supported the music. From Dylan to Doherty; it is no secret that the work of chemist’s has provided endless support, although we’re talking strictly pharmaceutical. This event however, was far from cosmetic. Having been left on a high from their amazing nine song set, I am in no doubt that whatever musical medicine these Chemists are concocting, it’s explosive and addictive. I am warning; approach with protective goggles and great expectations.
I had been told to expect a well honed Indie band of great potential, but from the moment ‘Tazmanian Devil’ stormed on to the stage, it became clear they were worthy of a much greater title. What separates the band from your generic indie piece? A dirtier guitar, a cleaner vocal; the hint we detect of metal, the subtle hint of pop. It’s confusing, and its genius.
As the set stormed through, I suddenly became rather reflective, as one tends to do when surrounded by hundreds of strangers, cider and black in hand. The lyrics of vocalist Johnny Benn, never faltering a note and with incredible conviction resonated through to my subconscious. ‘The sounds are the same as the bands come again, as they pound and pound on that radio booth’. You would certainly be forgiven for thinking that the songs you were stood listening to as you embarrassingly sway along were not far from what their very lyrics describe. Having seen them performed live however, I can happily report, there is a great difference. The difference being, the music does not simply pound and pound through the crowd, it pulses through. The band have developed quite a reputation for putting on a live show, and with good reason. At times they were electric.
The frantic speed at which guitarists Sam James and Dave Betts play was enough to leave any audience member in awe at the sheer force of their performance. Kept to perfect beat by drummer Matt Albon and perfectly complimented by bassist Wayne Jones, every note was played with the passion of a powerful performance. This may sound a little cheesy, but sometimes only alliteration can describe how intricately and inspiringly an instrument can be played. When alliteration strikes twice in a single paragraph, trust me, they’re good.
A highlight of the evening I hear you cry? Three tracks in, ‘Hear our Song’, floored the crowd. If you do manage to catch the remainder of the tour, I can only urge you to listen to the somewhat commanding title, and please do, hear their song. From the moment the guitar struck, the performance was incredible. I sat in awe, watching four minutes of outstanding vocals, perfect drumming, and terrific energy.
Nine songs later, the band took their final bow. Certainly, the set had its glitches; a six foot neon sign emblazoned with the bands very name nigh on collapsing upon the poor, unsuspecting bassist being one of the more generic problems I imagine bands face all the time. Overall, I would thoroughly recommend catching this band before they explode on to the mainstream. If I were to summarise my evening spent listening to the chemists at the glorious Edinburgh Picture House; a band with amazing energy and performance skills, and what are chemists without chemistry?
Rebecca Monks
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