We Are Scientists

Megaplex

The staccato synth that opens We Are Scientists’ seventh album initially signals a departure from the sharp guitar riffs that carved them a space among the wave of indie rock bands that flooded the UK in the mid-2000s.

The Americans do experiment with their sound during an unsubtle attempt to cram as many catchy pop songs as they can on to one breathless record. Matthew Cain’s jaunty basslines are the one constant element. However, it’s an approach that frequently blows up in their faces.

We Are Scientists never set out to establish innovative musical theories but this album is a bad litmus test for explaining why they’ve endured.

5/10