Live Review

The Chemists – O2 ABC, Glasgow

• 9th Mar 2010

The Chemists performed 9 songs in a 35 minute blitzkrieg set that left the audience both shell-shocked and ready for more. Unfortunately support acts don’t usually get encores, even where one was fully deserved.

The Bristol based five piece band made the trip to Glasgow to open for the Fun Lovin’ Criminals and entertained a large crowd with their vibrant style and energetic performance. Knowing they had only a short time to impress, the band played fast and hard, letting their music do the talking.

The night started with forthcoming single This City, from the impressive debut album “Theories of Dr Lovelock”. The twin guitars of Sam James and Dave Betts screamed their frantic riffs played high on the fret board, providing something of a sonic attack in stereo.

Milk and Honey and then A Love Like No One Else followed, keeping the tempo high, with bassist Wayne Jones providing a driving beat, ably backed by the simple yet powerfully effective drumming of Matt Alban.

But it was front man Johnny Benn who was the undoubted centre of attention, a position he is clearly very comfortable with. Benn has a strong voice and an impressive range, allied to a clarity of delivery which enables his vocals to dominate in the mix. He made full use of the large stage, his mic stand becoming a prop in true rock frontman style, and at one point stood perched precariously on the very edge of the stage to try to get closer to his audience.

Other highlights of an exciting set were the heavy To Die For and A Bit Of Education, which on record drags a little but was invigorated with a whole new energy when played live. This was a raw and powerful performance, full of emotion, yet with a tightness and precision that speaks of a band very much in control.

The Chemists have provided very effective support as openers to a number of bands in recent times, building a well deserved reputation as a powerful live act that can entertain and at times almost overwhelm audiences.

Surely a headlining tour cannot now be far away?