Album Review

The Chemists – Radio Booth

• 12th Dec 2008

This dynamic slice of chart-rock is an impressive release from this up and coming five piece. From a slow and predictable beginning explodes a ferocious chorus that grabs your attention and doesn’t let go for the rest of the song. The crunching guitars and pounding drum beats can’t help but get heads bobbing, and after only a few listens you will find yourself singing along to its infectiously catchy hooks.

Frontman Johnny Benn possesses a powerful voice that closely resembles the primitive howl of Soundgarden’s Chris Cornell, and his soulful delivery perfectly complements the driving thrust of the song. His vocals calmly allow the more subdued verses to slowly build up, like calm before the storm, before the chorus once again bursts into action.

The band have recently been touring with Brit-rock stalwarts Feeder, and with more tunes like this one, it won’t be long before the Chemists join them in the big leagues of UK rock. Much like Feeder of even the Foo Fighters, this is a band that can bridge the gap between mainstream accessibility and rock credibility.

The two remixes that accompany the title track, one of ‘Radio Booth’ itself, the other of ‘This City’ are also strong offerings, with heavy bass lines and electro beats deftly mixed in with Benn’s vocals.

With a few more tunes as crunching and yet catchy as ‘Radio Booth’ the Chemists could easily go on to much bigger things in 2009. Expect to see them rocking up a storm at festivals near you this summer.