Chemical - A band that knows what they want

	The first and self-entitled album by Chemical Co-operation is 
a vinyl LP. Itīs a strong debut from a band that dares going outside 
the norm and knows what they want. You find them in the 
landscape that was drawn by Iggy & The Stoogies (sic) in the 
Sixties, and theyīre creating their sound through the skillful use of 
simple means of recording in their own studio.
	
	Chemical doesnīt for one minute flirt with radio producers, 
record labels or buyers. Upon listening to the opening track 
Spiritual Sensation  you are immediately hit by an unusual and 
consequent lack of compromising.
	This is a band that knows what they want, and also how to 
get it. That goes for the music as well as the sound.
	The band consists of a bunch of musicians that have almost 
made recording music on mobile 8-track units at run down 
rehearsal rooms and with lots of leakage into an art. They have 
successfully been able to create that "old" sound, reminding you of 
the 70īs vinyl albums and which feels fresh and professional 
although (or because) itīs a reaction to everything digital, modern 
or well-produced.
	Reminiscant Of The Stones
	The debut album was recorded in their own studio, using a 
Fostex 16-channel recorder. The drums were recorded at 
HŠsslšsalen to get the "right" atmosphere.
	Itīs hard not to mention the early Rolling Stones or Iggy Pop 
in his New York days with the Stoogies (sic) as a reference to 
Chemicalīs music.
	But those are hardly bad references. The band has made no 
secret as to which their influences are, and when comparing to 
other Swedish band with the same icons, the question is if Chemical 
Co-operation isnīt the band that has been the most successful in 
both heeding to their heritage and at the same time been able to do 
something exciting and unique.
	Musically they use a bigger palette than what is used in the 
traditional rock song. Already after the second song they "freak 
out" completely in a cavalcade of guitar experiments whose match 
you havenīt heard since Jimi Hendrix & The Experience took the 
stage in the 60īs. From two minutes in a psychadelic cosmos youīre 
thrown back into the twisting turns of rockīnīroll.
	Here are genious tracks with equally genious chord changes 
and titles. Ladiesī Delight  and Lost Vegas  are two examples.
	Chemical Co-operation may be releasing their first album, 
but they sound like theyīve been around for a long time, having 
done nothing but rocking their entire lives. Is it possible to wish for 
a live appearance anywhere near soon?

Daniel Green
Västmanlands Folkblad 990204