Ireland is no stranger to DIY musicians. Artists who instead of working with other musicians decide to play and record everything by themselves. In the cases of Jape and R.S.A.G., these endeavors of solidarity have proven fruitful. In working by themselves they have managed to create distinct and unique sounds. The same cannot be said for Chemical Element.

Originally hailing from Spalding, England, Chemical Element, a.k.a. Carl Miller is a Dublin based solo musician and producer.  Chemical Element’s music is said to be influenced by Kasabian, among others.

“Influenced” is an understatement. If Kasabian were Lynx body spray, Chemical Element would have emptied a whole bottle on himself.

Each of the four tracks on this self-titled EP reek of Tom Meighan and co. Everything just sounds like a carbon copy. The punchy bass lines, the driving beats, the atmospheric synths, the attitude. Everything here has been done before. Miller brings nothing new to the table.

The Kasabian influence even creeps into some of Chemical Element‘s melodies. Listen to the chorus of second track Atomic and try not to accidentally hum the tune of Kasabian’s L.S.F.

On the other hand, the EP does have its merits. Another aspect taken from Kasabian is the fact that none of songs are particularly bad. While they lack sufficient originality, the arrangements are well thought out and exciting. Miller does well to create a balance between the distorted, grainy basses and guitars and the softer, atmospheric synth sounds.

As for Millers vocals, they come with their good and bad parts. His delivery is excellent, timing his lines perfectly in each song. He also sings with immense attitude and vigour, revealing his passion for his music. However, he is let down by his pitching. Especially apparent in The Man in Me, his vocal can be flat, just missing the desired notes.

All musicians have influences. Some have many. Some have few. Some wear them on their sleeves, while others try to keep them hidden. Whatever the case may be, it is important that these musicians know the difference between being influenced, and just blatantly copying. Chemical Element has unfortunately tipped the scale with this EP. Maybe it’s time that he started experimenting with his music instead of latching onto the coattails of what has gone before.