The Chemist

...it was time for The Chemist. If you have yet to see this band - do it. They are required viewing for any alt-rock fan, but fans of any specific genre could appreciate The Chemist's craftsmanship and imagination. Completely masterful was the twist on material incorporating a slight jazz discordance and complex arrhythmia.
Believe the hype, this band is good and the vocalist displays a wildly enviable timbre as well as non-cliched lyrical substance. Like any trade, it's always better if people know when to stop. And while The Chemist feature moments of the blissful absurd, they contrast these phases with fractured pop darkness. - Xpress Mag

Having cut his teeth at blues clubs as a one-man-show, singer-guitarist Ben Witt is no stranger to the stage...the lad can certainly hit notes, and, more than anything else, plays guitar like a god in the making. The Chemist were easily the slickest and classiest band of the night, and the one most people have been talking about since the event. - Xpress Mag

The Chemist seem to be unstoppable. Playing through the usual repertoire of their home-brand style of pop-rock, yet drawing on virtually any influence, from jazz to psychedelic, making it their own. Blistering through the set with ease, they let the crowd focus on other aspects of their performance. The almost over-confidence of Ben Witt smirking on stage while delivering captivating vocal and guitar performances; the passionate keyboard hammering of James Ireland; the constant beat of Elliot Smith; and the expressive lip-curling, writhing and grinding of bass player Hamish Rahn all combined effortlessly to make the performance just another feather in The Chemist's already brimming cap. - Xpress

Having to come on as support for a band as polished and professional as Birds Of Tokyo is never going to be an easy task but if the guys from The Chemist thought so they never did let it on. Opening with a brief drum and bass introduction before heading into the magnificent "Stars" these guys were brimming with confidence and immediately captured the attention of the already sizeable crowd in the front of stage. The Chemist are no doubt a band consisting of very talented musicians and "Stars" is an accomplished song that builds up perfectly and gives a crashing crescendo; it is, without a doubt, a fantastic statement for a young band to make. - Xpress Mag

Living up to their reputation, The Chemist didn't disappoint. A host of new songs were introduced including stand-out, "Don't Look Down." As if excellent pop-rock songs delivered expertly weren't enough, Ben Witt's mesmerising vocals filled the room, and it wasn't long before the crowd turned all of its attention to teh suited singer. A closer listen to The Chemist revealed elements of dance, and subtle groove and funk movements tastefully spliced throughout the set. They settled affairs with an atmospheric performance of "Stars", and left the awestruck crowd wanting more. - Xpress Mag

Only a handful of punters were diligent enough to get to Mojo's in time to see opening act, Ben Witt, demonstrate his masterful musicianship with little more than his voice, an electric guitar and a bunch of pedals. Standing alone among a stage full of unused equipment, Witt had a commanding presence, drawing people inside from the beer garden with his resonating voice and Jeff Buckley-esque tone.
Towards the end of his set, Witt slung the guitar off his back, and began spinning it around wildly, producing a series of banging and tapping noises that were looped and used as percussion. Witt then sung over his makeshift percussion track, bellowing out notes that even Wally de Backer would be hard pressed to hit.
Witt's set was short but sweet, leaving the small crowd eagerly awaiting the next band, but also wishing they could hear a bit more of Witt's material. - Xpress

Bringing with him a loop station, with which he layered guitar parts, The Chemist front man Ben Witt played a collection of solo songs including his own band's "Put Down Your Sword"; an uncomfortable, yet riveting, rendition of the original. Watching Ben Witt solo is more like watching an artist sculpting an art piece in real time - fascinating and inspiring. - Drum Media Perth

When the group gurgles to life it's like watching a mutant circus of demented musicians. Front-man Ben Witt is one of those entertaining little bastards that you just can't peel your eyes, or ears, away from and is constantly giving the impression that Billie Holiday's ghost is trapped inside his body. Opening with the haunting Stars followed by Don't Look Down, it's instantly a challenge to articulate what these guys sound like...How about 'really god-damned excellent'?
- Space Ship News