More on: We Are Scientists

Date: 23/04/08
Rating:

As one of the favourite couples in rock, We Are Scientists have become a must see live act. Loved for their onstage banter nearly as much as their contagious rock tunes, Keith Murray and Chris Cain are the Chuckle Brothers of rock (with better hair).

Supporting the new album 'Brain Thrust Mastery', the New Yorkers hit the stage, boostered by an all new line up, including an extra guitar/keyboardist. Starting off proceedings with 'Nobody Move Nobody Get Hurt' is a brave move as most bands would leave a track as good as this to the end. The Southampton crowd don't seem to care, and the Guildhall transforms into a pogo fest. We Are Scientists then perform an audio version of plate spinning, trying to satisfy the hungry audience mixing the faster tracks of 'Love And Squalor' with the more thoughtful new material. They somehow succeed - charisma is a powerful thing.

Now the new line up is a four piece it allows Keith to lay down his guitar and go face to face with the audience, creating a giant karaoke fest, which is probably more fun for the participants than the listeners. Having an extra member doesn't really add much to the early material, but manages to pull of 'Brain Thrust Mastery''s more ample sound. They are only let down by the Guildhall's poor sound quality; much of Keith's vocals were lost, due to far too much bass. Great if it's New Order, but disappointing tonight.

The onstage comedy antics do seem to play a far greater role in their set than needed, the banter felt quite rehearsed tonight and the last thing the band want to become is performing monkeys or The Bloodhound Gang - We Are Scientists actually have decent tunes. 'After Hours' for example, surprised many on release, but judging on its reaction has become a fan favourite and has easily the biggest cheer of all their new tracks. 'Chick Lit' sounds even more Daft Punk live than on the album, and 'Impatience' which should be a single, seems to go by unnoticed. 'It's A Hit' and 'Textbook' re-energised Southampton, leaving the New York duo to save the best 'til last with 'The Great Escape'. Another concert complete, and another scratched off their growing book of gigs they are due to play this year. Live they still have the same energy and wit as before, but how long will that last?

Francis Jolley

We Are Scientists Official Site