Some albums are crafted with polish. ‘Chemistry’ feels like it was set on fire. The debut full-length from Caplin & Massiah, a duo as bonded in life as they are in sound, is a wildly infectious, emotionally rich, rhythm-fuelled ride that dives deep into the joy, chaos, and tension that come with real connection.
From the first beat, it’s clear this is a fully realised dialogue between two artists who trust each other enough to take big swings. The grooves are deep, the energy is raw, and the emotional spectrum is vast. ‘Chemistry’ moves with the spirit of the dancefloor but hits with the weight of lived experience, where every bassline pulses like a heartbeat, and every vocal feels like a confession shouted across a crowded room.
Tracks like ‘Chocolate’ smoulder with sensual swagger, while ‘Shaped Like You’ brings a fierce, soul-bearing intensity that pulses with urgency. It’s that rare blend of smooth and sharp rhythms you can lose yourself in, paired with lyrics that make you feel seen. There’s protest in the pulse, vulnerability in the hooks, and love in the details.
Zeeteah Massiah’s vocals are nothing short of commanding as she switches from sultry to explosive in the space of a few bars, and Paul Caplin’s production doesn’t just support her; it provokes her, lifts her, surrounds her. This is chemistry, yes, but it’s also combustion.
And the guest appearances? Icing on a cake that was already built to move you. Whether it’s the island fire of Dynamite or the smooth precision of Danglin, the features feel less like cameos and more like pieces of a bigger mosaic; one that spans continents, genres, and generations.
What’s especially thrilling is that ‘Chemistry’ never settles. It refuses to be just one thing. Just when you think you’ve found its centre, it pivots from Caribbean swagger to electro-tinged soul, from heartfelt balladry to big, brash bangers. It’s a project that honours its influences but never feels derivative, pulling from global sounds while staying entirely personal.
In a time where so much music feels over-filtered and emotionally distant, ‘Chemistry’ is refreshingly tactile that you can feel the sweat, the studio dust, and the sparks flying across the room. Caplin & Massiah have delivered a bold, borderless statement here.
