The Chemist is a four-piece alternative rock music group from Perth, Western Australia formed in 2007.[1][2]

The Chemist
Background information
OriginPerth, Western Australia
GenresIndie Rock, blues, Folk,
Years active2007 (2007)–2013
LabelsCreate/Control
MembersBen Witt
Chris Wright
James Ireland
Hamish Rahn
Past membersElliot Smith
Websitewww.thechemistband.com.au

History

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The Chemist formed when all four members met studying music at university.[1] The Chemist's first gig was a heat in the prestigious Next Big Thing Competition. They won their heat and ended up runners-up in the entire competition.[3]

They've since played at the Big Day Out, Splendor in the Grass, Southbound,[4] received significant airplay on Triple J, worked with Luke Steele of the Sleepy Jackson[2][5] and supported Silversun Pickups, Robert Forster, Boy & Bear, Hungry Kids of Hungary, The Beautiful Girls, End of Fashion,[6] Birds of Tokyo[6][7] and Sugar Army.[6]

In 2013, The Chemist signed to Create/Control and released their debut album Ballet In The Badlands on March 22. The album was given 4/5 stars by Rolling Stone magazine.

Music style

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The Chemist play a unique brand of blues infused indie swamp rock, drawing influence from artists such as Tom Waits, Bob Dylan, The Walkmen, The Beach Boys, Beck & many more.

Personnel

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  • Ben Witt – lead vocals, lead guitar, keyboard (2007–present)
  • Elliot Smith – drums (2007-2012)
  • Chris Wright: drums (2012–present)
  • James Ireland – keyboard (2007–present)
  • Hamish Rahn – bass (2007–present)

Discography

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Albums

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List of albums, with selected details
Title Details
Ballet in the Badlands
  • Released: 2013
  • Format: CD, Digital
  • Label: Dirt Diamonds (DDPTC004)

Extended Plays

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List of EPs, with selected details
Title Details
The Wolves' Howls Shatter the Old Glass Moon
  • Released: 2010
  • Format: CD, Digital
  • Label: Dirt Diamonds (5186593222)
Lullabies
  • Released: 2010
  • Format: CD, Digital
  • Label: Dirt Diamonds (5249826082)

References

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  1. ^ a b "Triple J Unearthed: The Chemist". triplejunearthed.com. Retrieved 8 May 2010.
  2. ^ a b Steph. "The Chemist". abc.net.au. Retrieved 8 May 2010.
  3. ^ "Next Big Thing Past Winners". nextbigthing.net.au. Archived from the original on 12 April 2009. Retrieved 8 May 2010.
  4. ^ "Southbound 2009". triplejunearthed.com. Retrieved 8 May 2010.
  5. ^ Coufos, Polly (16 May 2010), "The Western front", STM Entertainment Magazine
  6. ^ a b c "He's Got Witt". xpressmag.com.au. Retrieved 8 May 2010.
  7. ^ "Birds of Tokyo, The Chemist @ Amplifier". fasterlouder.com.au. Retrieved 8 May 2010.
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