Coming out in just over week on the 8th of December is the latest record courtesy of London based Distiller records - The Chemists “Radio Booth” and what a single it is! With fast paced, crunchy rock sounds conjoined with a hint of UNKLE esque dance vibes, “Radio Booth” comes as a great welcome to any record collection and guarantees to make even the most docile crowd drop their pints, raise arms in the air and dance like demented badgers.
Riding the wave of intermixing electro beats with distorted riffs, The Chemists have crafted a fantastic piece of work that appeals dynamically in the same way Aphex Twin got a generation of alternative music lovers racing to the clubs. This is achieved whilst maintaining their rock leanings by demonstrating high technical abilities and a great ear for song craftsmanship. Powerful drum beats crash through a carefully weaved tapestry of soaring guitar licks, gritty power chords and rolling bass lines that could be compared to acts such as Queens of the Stone Age and Cooper Temple Clause.
The overall production is high and the parts are balanced as to ensure you can appreciate all instruments separately whilst not distracting from the thickly harmonised vocals that are so catchy I find myself whistling the melodies as I sit, staring out the window on the bus to work. This is a band that you really can imagine headlining festivals in years to come and delivering the goods.
Accompanying the main track are two remixes that are truly killer. The actual single remix is a potential dance classic with thick distorted bass and kicking drums that leans itself towards a Breaks edge but has an 80s-ish, almost Gary Numan sound - with a cheeky Van Halen style synth guitar solo tucked in towards the end - classic. I can imagine this track appealing to more to middle of the road clubs due to it’s commercial edge and the dance-ability with the stress on the house beats technique of accompanying the kick drum to the snare for that constant pulse. “This City” has the same Breaksy pulse and tempo but is more industrial in sound and would be perfect for any grungy rave. Both remixes will get your head bopping in no time however, and are definitely worth cranking loud.
They’re currently on an Uni tour with Feeder and I’m sure that come next years festivals we are going to hear more about The Chemists. This is actual quality. Go buy this record - you really won’t be disappointed.
Check them out at:
http://www.myspace.com/thechemistsuk