We Are Scientists played an incredible set of 18 songs, in a packed Rescue Rooms in Nottingham last Monday night. The indie-rock band, formed in New-York city, has been touring the UK for the release of their fifth album ‘Helter Seltzer.’ Keith Murray, lead singer and guitarist, and Chris Cain, bass guitar and backing vocals have done an insane job on this album and sure know how to pull off a cracker of a gig.
Support came from Flowers. This London based band came on stage to a half filled venue – no one seems to be bothered to see support bands anymore. However Rescue Rooms didn’t feel empty; there was plenty of swaying, applause and genuine enjoyment in the crowd, especially for an upcoming band. They mostly played songs from their debut album ‘Everybody’s Dying to Meet You,’ which was released in February. Killing it with their noise pop vibe and lead singer Rachel Kennedy’s memorable, crisp vocals – the band really got the crowd hyped up.
A phenomenal W.A.S set began with a popular, energetic and musically faultless ‘Cash Cow,’ from the band’s debut album ‘With Love and Squalor’. This was followed by ‘Buckle,’ the first track from the new album ‘Helter Seltzer’ – this tune shows the boys are back with a bang, with a polished chorus and tumbling drumbeat, it’s the catchiest of the record and went down a treat with the crowd. After such a strong start, the gig was jumping till finish. Other songs to note evidently included ‘Nobody Move, Nobody Get Hurt,’ one of their most well-known tunes, also from their debut album; with Chris jokingly exclaiming afterwards that cheering it is easy as it’s become a modern classic. The set finished with the similarly well received ‘After Hours,’ from album ‘Brain Thrust Mastery,’ with the crowd singing along the lyrics “time means nothing.”
Predictably, there was a three song encore. Nevertheless W.A.S smashed it with ‘Dumb Luck’ and ‘Textbook,’ keeping the crowd on a high. Finishing with new track, ‘Too Late,’ from the new album, resulted in a satisfied audience showing ‘Helter Seltzer’ is definitely one to give a listen.
It’s no secret this duo are a part-time comedy act. The crowd were made to laugh before the all-black wearing W.A.S even graced the stage, with a song describing a want for soda and not water (apparently the definition of the word ‘seltzer’). This was followed by their appearance and a knack for keeping the crowd amused throughout the show. Between every few songs the duo interacted with the crowd with this well-recognized exceptional wit, continuously followed with a remarkable response. This included a mystery red bull, which later made an appearance on stage and exceptionally close to an audience member’s face. Keeping a crowd not just cheering and dancing, but also laughing throughout a gig is something unique W.A.S have to any comparable bands of this time.
The ‘We Are Scientists Project’ is, without doubt, one to see live.
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