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Simian Album Reviews 3out of 5
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Chemistry Is What We Are (LP)

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When critics begin to sing the praises of a youthful group with arty, experimental leanings, it is normally best to err on the side of caution before believing them. Manchester's Simian have negotiated the task of marrying the worlds of lo-fi, psychedelia, electronica and pop music with surprisingly good results. Best of the lot is undoubtedly 'One Dimension' that attaches a Stereolab-aping mantric keyboard to Beach Boys harmonies producing one of the better singles of the year. Before this are colourful, off-kilter melodies such as opener 'Drop And Roll', the 'I Am The Walrus'-indebted 'How Could I Be Right', previous single 'The Wisp' and 'Doba', the latter of which even employs a hoover which could possibly be an ironic reflection on the drone rock used by so many contemporary experimental artists. Unfortunately whilst the first half is vibrant with ideas and melody the second half is much less remarkable; ''Mr. Crow' is an annoying twee doodle, drones do start to take over and the singing becomes formulaic. All the same this young group reveal enough original ideas to indicate better times are ahead.
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  Track Listing
01 Drop And Roll
02 The Wisp
03 Doba
04 You Set Off My Brain
05 How Could I Be Right
Standout Track One Dimension
07 Tree In A Corner
08 Orange Glow
09 Mr. Crow
10 Round And Around
11 Chamber

Standout Track = Standout Track

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Weblink:
http://www.wearesimian.com/
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Also Recommended:
Beach Boys, The - Sunflower/Surf's Up
Half Cousin - The Function Room
Stereolab - Cobra And Phases Group Play Voltage In The Milky Night, The First Of The Microbe Hunters, Sound-Dust, Instant 0 In The Universe
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