The Qemists were originally the drummer, bassist and guitarist in a rock band where they spent a lot of time touring UK and Europe as well as spending a lot of time in the studio. During this time in the rock band in the late 1990s, they acquired an interest in drum and bass and some of the group's early efforts started to get airplay. For many years they were performing in the rock band as their day job whilst producing and DJing drum and bass at night, and this conflict of interests lead to the fusion of the two styles to form The Qemists sound that is known today. They had previously worked as live sound engineers for Basement Jaxx, Kano and Lady Sovereign.
Their debut release on Ninja Tune was a remix of Coldcut's "Everything Is Under Control" which was supported by Zane Lowe, Coldcut and Pendulum.
Their first single "Stompbox" appeared on the movie soundtrack, and in the movie "Jumper". Some singles of the band appeared in many video games. Stompbox appeared in MotorStorm: Pacific Rift, Need for Speed: Undercover and Midnight Club: Los Angeles. Lost Weekend appeared in Colin McRae: Dirt 2, Forza Motorsport 3, MotorStorm: Arctic Edge and Need for Speed: Shift. The year 2009 also saw the release of their debut album "Join The Q" on the Ninja Tune label.
In 2009, they supported Enter Shikari on their World Tour, and underwent their own headlining UK Tour.
With the bands origins in heavy rock music and their fusion of rock and drum and bass they are often compared to mainstream drum and bass act Pendulum, with both artists having similar musical history and styles.
Take It Back
The Qemists Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We're gonna take it back!
We're gonna take it back!
We're gonna take it back!
We're beginning to choke in the wake of the boat, set sail
Crouching with my cracked cranium in my hands
I gaze down at the earth to dredge up escape plans
It feels like the morning air is throwing ice picks at my face
But this is the day that we have to stand tall and embrace
I know we're gonna lose control
Yeah, lose control
Time is of the essence
I know we're gonna lose control
Yeah, lose control
Haunted by your presence
Oh, we're gonna lose control
Yeah, lose control
I know we're gonna surge on this one
Oh, we're gonna lose control
Yeah, lose control
Yeah, our time ain't begun!
We're gonna take it back!
Yeah!
We're gonna take it back!
I know we're gonna lose control
Yeah, lose control
Time is of the essence
I know we're gonna lose control
Yeah, lose control
Haunted by your presence
Oh, we're gonna lose control
Yeah, lose control
I know we're gonna surge on this one
Oh, we're gonna lose control
Yeah, lose control
We're gonna take it back!
Yeah!
Yeah!
Take it back!
We're gonna take it back!
We're gonna take it back!
I know we're gonna lose control
Yeah, lose control
Time is of the essence
I know we're gonna lose control
Yeah, lose control
Haunted by your presence
Oh, we're gonna lose control
Yeah, lose control
I know we've gotta surge on this one
Oh, we're gonna lose control
Yeah, lose control
Yeah, our time ain't begun...
YEAH!
We're gonna take it back!
I know we're gonna lose control
Yeah, lose control
Time is of the essence
I know we're gonna lose control
Yeah, lose control
Haunted by your presence
Oh, we're gonna lose control
Yeah, lose control
I know we've gotta stretch my leash
Oh, we're gonna lose control
Yeah, lose control
We're gonna take it back!
The song "Take It Back" by The Qemists is a high-energy track with a strong call to action. The repetitive chorus reinforces the message that the time has come to reclaim power and control. The lyrics paint a picture of a world in crisis, with chaos and oppression on the rise. The opening lines suggest that this crisis is manifesting as a literal rise in the ocean, perhaps referencing climate change or other ecological disasters. The singer feels overwhelmed by the magnitude of the problem and unsure how to respond. However, they refuse to give up and instead search for ways to resist and fight back. The chorus is a rallying cry, a reminder that even in the face of overwhelming odds, it is possible to take back control and create a better future.
The verses of "Take It Back" are filled with vivid imagery and metaphors. The line "Crouching with my cracked cranium in my hands" creates a powerful image of the singer feeling physically and mentally beaten down. The use of the word "despotic" to describe the commotion suggests that the crisis is not simply a natural disaster but the result of human greed and oppression. The line "It feels like the morning air is throwing ice picks at my face" is a striking image that conveys the sense of danger and urgency that the singer is feeling.
Overall, "Take It Back" is a powerful anthem for resistance and hope. It acknowledges the severity of the problems facing the world but insists that it is possible to fight back and take control. The energetic music and repetitive chorus make the song an ideal rallying cry for protests and movements advocating for change.
Line by Line Meaning
We're gonna take it back!
Repeating the phrase to emphasize the determination to regain control
This despotic commotion breeds the rise of the ocean
A chaotic situation leading to dire consequences and increased tension
We're beginning to choke in the wake of the boat, set sail
Being overwhelmed by the effects of decisions made by those in power
Crouching with my cracked cranium in my hands
Feeling overwhelmed and defeated, with a sense of helplessness
I gaze down at the earth to dredge up escape plans
Looking for ways to escape the current situation
It feels like the morning air is throwing ice picks at my face
A sense of discomfort and pain caused by the current predicament
But this is the day that we have to stand tall and embrace
Despite the challenges, it's time to take action and face the situation head-on
I know we're gonna lose control
Yeah, lose control
Time is of the essence
Acknowledging the possibility of things getting out of hand and the need to act quickly
Haunted by your presence
Feeling the impact of those in power and the effects of their decisions
I know we're gonna surge on this one
Determined to act decisively in this specific situation
Yeah, our time ain't begun!
Believing that there's still a chance to take control and create change
Take it back!
Emphasizing the need to regain control and create change
I know we've gotta stretch my leash
Feeling the need to push beyond one's limits in order to make a difference
Contributed by Eva K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Bordje
Whilst I appreciate Enter Shikari are a phenomenal band, I just want to draw some attention to how good The Quemists are. Please don't overlook them.
Andrew Fitzsimmons
This is very catchy. It reminds me a lot of ES but it wouldn't fit on either of the past 2 albums. I love ES because they can do these diverges with singles and EPs (such as destabilize) that keep them forever fresh and new and then HIT YOU HARD with a GREAT new full length album
King ECHatron II
Definitely check out The Qemists. They deserve some more recognition!
Camberwell86
Would love to see TQ and ES do a little album together, even if it was a cheeky little six-track EP or something :)
Miss[MCR]
i absolutely love this song! enter shikari adds to it so much:)
romi g
Me encanta esta música es la nueva frontera =D
Ayyyyy
A ja miałam szczęście, bo w ciągu miesiąca widziałam i Enter Shikari i The Qemists :>
Roy
this song just fits brilliantly if you have it playing in the background of any kind of xbox game
Wojciech Puc
mistrzowski kawalek
Lewis Nolan
Great band, great song, great video, lose control indeed.