Outside of their music, US indie toetappers We Are Scientists are the funniest men in rock – seek out their blogs, columns and videos posthaste. Inside their music, they are on album three of catchy danceable tunes full of introspective lyrics of missed lessons and excess. Barbara walks that familiar path but the hook-laden ‘Rules Don’t Stop’ and the raw fist-pumping ‘Jack and Ginger’ prove the formula’s not tired just yet.

Former Razorlight drummer Andy Burrows’ stickmanship adds a real punch and spontaneity to the solid bed of Chris Cain’s satisfying rumbling bass and Keith Murray’s inspired guitar playing. 2008‘s Brain Thrust Mastery layered synths on heavy but this record takes a stripped down approach; they’ve always been an explosive three-piece and Barbara’s raw live sound gets that across perfectly. In a genre so often middling and unoriginal, WAS stand head and shoulders above the rest by constantly making it work. They also once made me stage a knife fight. True story.

-TC

Tags: Barbara, We Are Scientists
Posted in Reviews