Chemistry Set - This Day Will Never Happen Again

  by Lisa Torem

published: 19 / 2 / 2011

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Review

The “neo-psychedelic” Chemistry Set began in London in 1987 and consists of Ashley Wood (guitar and vocals), Paul Lake (guitars and vocals), Henry Taprell (bass) and David Mclean (drums). After releasing a set of demos in 1988, they released their first LP ‘Sounds Like Painting’ in 1989. By the early 1990s they had garnered a substantial international fan base and have appeared on a dozen Spanish radio stations. They have made frequent appearances at Spain’s DJs club and are known for including Spanish and French language tracks on their recordings, such as: ‘Regarde Le Ciel’ performed by Suzette de la Grace Faberge. Touring engagements include gigs with Robyn Hitchcock and appearances at the Rough Trade record shops. Their new release, 'This Day Will Never Happen Again', is stunning from beginning to end. The cover art is a midnight blue backing against which stately black silhouetted people congregate. ‘El Retorno’ commences this magnificent journey with some rambunctious tempo changes. ‘Sheer Tazer Luv’ is a glimmering instrumental send-off complete with sizzling fireworks effects, leading into a soulful melody. ‘The World is Hollow and I Touched the Sky’ is like something out of the 'Sgt. Pepper', a montage of seductive, sonic moods and palpable textures plus riffs that pop out unexpectedly like a clown from a jack-in-the box. ‘She’s Taking Me Down’ is superb in structure and a blissful interpretation. The vocal line, “she takes it slow” is reflective of the fabulous Hollies. ‘Silver Birch’ is image-packed:“Soft floating snowflakes strike her wrinkled face/She lays there every night in her tattered lace.” The heartbreaking fable of rejection resounds when we hear “She thinks he’s coming back, but she knows he won’t.” But, there is still more; “She lives the kind of life her mother always planned.” This song was written by Shannon and Perkins, but lovingly arranged by Mclean. Two other covers, ‘We Luv You’ (Jagger/Richards) and ‘La Logica Del Canvi’ (Ibanez) also appear. ‘This Day Will Never Happen’ features a dynamic chord progression and more tragedy: “When our love is alive/I’m killing it dead.” ‘Look to the Sky’ is awe-inspiring, too - “I can see you- ooh- ooh, in a summer’s dress/ I can see you with your flowing hair/All the time/A secret place to stay every day.” There is a climactic guitar climb that accentuates the simmering lyrics. ‘If Rome Was Meant to Fall’ is a baroque-tinged ballad. The cantankerous introduction. and jubilant guitar work in ‘We Live as We Dream’ is also transformational. The three bonus tracks include the French tune already discussed plus a Spanish version of ‘Sheer Tazer Luv’ and a selection in Catalan. It goes without saying that the Chemistry Set’s “This Day Will Never Happen Again” is unadulterated magic.

Track Listing:-

1 El Retorno
2 Sheer Tazer Luv
3 The World Is Hollow And I Touched The Sky
4 She's Taking Me Down
5 Silver Birch
6 This Day Will Never Happen Again
7 Seeing Upside Down
8 Look To The Sky
9 If Rome Was Meant To Fall
10 We Live As We Dream....Alone
11 We Luv You
12 Sheer Tazer Luv (Spanish Version)
13 Regarde Le Ciel (Look To The Sky)
14 La Logica Del Canvi (Catalan Version)

Band Links:-

https://www.facebook.com/TheChemistryS