Videos

Chemical Smile – Thanks For The Company

• 20th Nov 2012

Chemical Smile are an eclectic three-piece originally from the south coast of England who have fast become frequent faces on the London circuit, blending the sonic sounds of late 60’s Garage and Psychedelic rock n roll, with the angst and swagger of classic indie acts. Born out of the apathy of youth they combine soul-stomping melodies with quirky riffs and interrogating lyrics.

Chemical Smile’s idiosyncratic sound on debut single ‘Thanks For The Company’ at times sounds reminiscent of The Smiths, The Doors and The Wedding Present with an intense off kilter sense of melancholy pervading through guitarist Liam Lidbetter’s cool jangly riffs and vocalist / bassist Simon Davies’ distinctive deep vocal sound. The band describe the track as “in essence, our message: you can take it at face-value or think about it a little more, maybe it has a sarcastic subtlety to it, maybe it’s just cynical. That’s your choice.”

The Double A-Side ‘Suede Glove’ is a carefully crafted lyrically driven ballad of jealousy and denial with Davies describing his ‘scanty existence’ under ‘your Suede Glove’ in a poetic story with an allure that keeps the listener holding on for the next moment in his twisting tale. The track meanders provocatively with quick moments of tension with jagged guitar motifs and Davies’ vocals escalating, returning all the time to a moody suspense filled Nick Cave ‘Red Right Hand’-esque driving bass line with Tom Dunne pinning it all perfectly with his minimal inventive percussive style.

The promise of these mature tracks and responses to the band’s controversial live performances including recent shows with The Moons, Various Cruelties and All The Young suggests cult status in the not too distant future for these young gunslingers.

The Single Launch Showcase for ‘Thanks For The Company’ / ‘Suede Glove’ is on 30th November 2012 at Proud Galleries, London .