Chemistry Experiment

Following the release in 2002 of the Giraffe album, a compilation of early singles and outtakes, The Chemistry Experiment battened down the hatches to work on their debut album proper. Three years in the making, the scope of their ambition only now becomes clear with the release of �The Melancholy Death of��. Encompassing genres as diverse as prog-rock, folktronica and disco against a backdrop of lush, orchestral pop, The Chemistry Experiment have woven a rich and compelling musical tapestry from the limited resources at their disposal.

The core group members of Steven J. Kirk (vocals and guitar), The Paul Stone (bass and programming), Lee Tombs (flute and keyboards), Emily Kawasaki (keyboards) and Martin Craig (drums and percussion), have been together since 2000, when they first met in the snooker halls and lending libraries of Nottingham. On this album they are aided and abetted by the voice of Ellen McGee, currently winning her own plaudits in Saint Joan, Rob Fleay of Frankie Machine (trumpet) and Tom McClure (violin).

The album begins with the sublime 70s soul balladry of Starlite Ballroom, Steven J. Kirk musing on �the beautiful girls who don�t wake up �til noon� as a lonesome trumpet catches the mood to perfection. It�s not long though before we�re spinning optimistically across the disco floor to You�re The Prettiest Thing, reminiscent of Pulp in their pomp with its Chic production and Studio 54 glamour. Elsewhere the bruising of hearts and egos is described in detail and lyrical concerns evolve in the realm of the kitchen sink romantic, regrets never far from the surface in the swelling orchestration of Thoughts on Gravity and I Remember.

What Are We Good For finds consolation in the sunshine hit electronica of modern Tokyo, failed relationships played off against the euphoria of new beginnings, and despite the sanguine demeanor there is a sheer pop relish in Good Morning and We Were Never Wrong. Underpinning it all is a level of excellence in their playing that few bands at their level achieve, augmented beautifully by Steven J. Kirk�s rich, sonorous voice.

The Chemistry Experiment have taken their influences and sifted them through their own music filter to produce what is simply the most musically inventive record of 2005. Dismiss them at your peril.

Web Site: www.chemistryexperiment.co.uk/

MP3

Song Title

Writer

2:30am: Killing Puffins

Craig/Kirk/Stone/Tombs/Tristram

Accidental Pushchair

Craig/Kirk/Stone/Tombs/Tristram

Anti-Glacier Song

Craig/Kirk/Stone/Tombs/Tristram

Are You A Slave To Your History?

Craig/Kirk/Stone/Tombs/Tristram