We Are Scientists - Helter Skelter
7/10
Founded in California and based in New York, We Are Scientists have been serving hot alternative pop since 2000; this is album five, that’s a career! Buckle flies straight out of the traps, thwack - drums, katwang - bass, chop n bosh - guitars, all bouncing with intent. The vocals may ring bells with anyone who remembers when The Shins had something fresh going on. In My Head has a lolloping melody and sci-fi synths which unexpectedly zing it up. Hold On is my stand out tune, still rocking the Big Apple indie vibe but with finesse and a little magic. These tunes are largely for an audience to bop about to rather than introspective songwriting.
Helter Skelter feels full of energy and verve, and if you like one track, chances are you’ll like them all; they hardly vary in style or delivery at all. Acoustic beach vibes on Want For Nothing are a refreshing palette cleanser, but it’s a false sense of security.
Five more well produced potential mid afternoon festival favourites follow, culminating in Brit Pop-lite singalong Forgiveness, that the Killers could have provided a few years ago. It’s oddly unfulfilling despite their promise, which is a shame as they have potential and a definite groove of their own and singer Keith Murray has a fine indie voice, melodic and sincere.
7/10
