Another cult act of the early NWOBPR scene, Chemical Alice came from London and were formed in late-1980, featuring future Tamarisk singer Andy Grant (vocals), bassist Jack Grigor, guitarist Dave Weston, drummer Richard Crighton and the impressive musician named Mark Kelly, later the man behind Marillion's keyboards.It is rumored the band was quite popular back at the time with many live performances.The only EP released under the name Chemical Alice was ''Curiouser and Curiouser'' from 1981, recorded at Spaceward Studios in Cambridge.Cool, underground Progressive Rock with a monster synth-led sound and almost Hard Rockin' guitars is the game played by Chemical Alice and, although the EP's production is below average, the music is pretty enjoyable and satisfying.''Curiouser and Curiouser'' contains four tracks and anyone into 80's underground British Prog knows what to expect.The opening ''The Judge'' is a nice track with good vocals, deep synthesizers and measured guitar parts in a Classic Neo Prog vein, while some keyboard passages have even a URIAH HEEP-like attitude, escaping a bit from the rule.''Goodnight Vienna'' is a great and memorable track of keyboard Prog with edgy synthesizers all around, a bit like early MARILLION, and a fantastic chorus.''Lands of Home'' is a different beast.The groovy guitars, sharp electronics and punky attitude comes like a cross between TWELFTH NIGHT and ELOY in a very original approach.The EP will close with ''Henry the King'', the MARILLION/TWELFTH NIGHT approach is here more apparent with great organ and synths textures and strong, attacking guitar grooves with also some impressive solos in the middle section.Definitely a winner among the all-time Neo Prog obscurities.Dynamic and passionate material all the way with diverse Classic Prog influences and a huge amount of energy.
Line-up / Musicians
Andy Grant/vocals
David Weston/guitar,synthesiser,vocals
Jack Grigor/bass
Richard Crighton/drums
Mark Kelly/keyboards
Steve Leigh/keyboards
Discography
Curiouser and Curiouser 1981
1.Goodnight Vienna
2.The Judge
3.Henry the King
4.Lands of Home
Listen or download Chemical Alice Goodnight Vienna for free on Pleer
Listen or download Chemical Alice The Judge for free on Pleer
Chemical Alice - Curiouser and Curiouser 1981
3:17:00 AM / by алеко / in C, Neo-Prog, United Kingdom /
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