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
