The Chemistry Set and Custard Flux

 

We don't normally write about single songs. The Listening To This Week Playlist handles the sounds and time constraints mean writing is dedicated to Albums and EPs. However, we make an exception for these videos. It is a one off we are not becoming MTV, although it would probably be VH1 if we were that way inclined.

With our love of Psych Pop, we had to tell you about them. On 15 December, the magnificent Fruits de Mer label release a limited coloured 7 Inch Double A Side from The Chemistry Set. The pair go all UK Beat on The Magic Fridge Magnet, but the Psych Pop takes over on STP. The songs are as hypnotic as ever. You can find further details of both songs and 7 Inch purchase details here.

Custard Flux - The Floating Chamber

Our adoration of Curvey's Custard Flux followed on from our fanboy tendencies with The Luck Of Eden Hall. Custard Flux mix Psych with Prog, but allow the melody and catchiness to flow. The Floating Chamber is the closing track on the splendid Enter Xenon album. It isn't that often that we get a Custard Flux video. Here is all 12 minutes of it.

You can read our review of the album here. You can listen to and buy the album here. It is available on Vinyl, CD and as a download.

.................................

I Don't Hear A Single Albums Of The Year 2022 : 51-60

This year, the standard has been the highest since IDHAS began six and a half years ago. Narrowing things down to this 100 as been really difficult. For each album, I've posted a song from it and a link to the IDHAS Review where you can find further details and how to listen or buy the album. 

A reminder that anything reviewed on I Don't Hear A Single is highly recommended. 

No 51 : Anyway Gang - Still Anyways     IDHAS Review

No 52 : Dungeon Of Skeletons - Patterns        IDHAS Review





No 53 : Frass Green - Buried    IDHAS Review





No 54 : Vanilla - Sideshow          IDHAS Review

No 55 : The Chemistry Set - Pink Felt Trip        IDHAS Review

 

No 56 : The Morning Line - Scene      IDHAS Review





No 57 : Push Puppets - Allegory Grey     IDHAS Review

No 58 :  Phil Thornalley - Now That I Have Your Attention    IDHAS Review

No 59 : Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard - Backhand Deals    IDHAS Review

   

No 60 : Wired Ways - Wired Ways         IDHAS Review

.................

The Chemistry Set - Pink Felt Trip (Updated)

 

When I tell people that I listen to as much Psych and Prog as Pop Rock, people get all quizzical faced. They forget that I Don't Hear A Single majors on Pop Rock, so that is what you are most likely to see featured. However, whenever an album is released in either of those genres that deserves a wider audience and I think will appeal to followers, I will cover it.

The Chemistry Set are one such band. Dave McLean and Paul Lake are now well into The Chemistry Set's fourth decade and are still just as interesting as those early days. They define Psych and Europe despite their Britishness. 

A listen to the first three songs reveals both the variety and sort of trip you are in for. Pink Felt Trip is a fine slice of Space Psych, The Witch is a cover of Mark Fry's 1972 song and ventures deep into Prog. Then there's Lovely Cup Of Tea which is like Madness doing Psych Pop.

Sail Away has a real twang and but for the hippy trippy vibe, could be a Brit Pop song and Legend Of A Mind gives the impression of a gentle LSD Trip, it is like three songs in one, beautifully arranged and uses every second of the six and a half minutes.

Paint Me A Dream wipes the floor with most Psych Pop pretenders, whilst Firefly comes across as a less twee Kula Shaker. Psychotronic Man is a modern day Moody Blues. Then there is The Rubicon is New Wave UK Beat. 

Oh and the closing Self Expression Trinity is simply jaw dropping. It is over 11 minutes long and in three parts and contained within is everything that The Chemistry Set excel at. A magnificent soundscape that encompasses Psych, Pop Rock, Prog and all in between. It is a masterpiece.

Pink Felt Trip feels like the most accessible album by the band yet. There is something for everyone. Inventive, melodic and taking unexpected routes, it is an essential listen. It could only appear on Fruits De Mer and of course it does.

You can pre-order the album from Fruits de Mer here. 

UPDATE

You can now listen to and buy the download on Bandcamp here. A CD Release will be available via Bandcamp soon.

..........................