We Are Scientists - Barbara

California's own We Are Scientists return with their forth album Barbara, This is the first album to be released without drummer Michael Tapper. Former Razorlight member Andy Burrows takes over drumming responsibilities.

On listening to the album you wouldn't sense that there had been a change in the line up, Burrows is certainly a very talented drummer and musician. This latest venture for him is certainly a step down in terms of mainstream success. Whilst I'm not a fan of Razorlight, it would be pretty naive to suggest that WAS were a bigger or more successful band than Burrows former.

However he fits in perfectly with Keith Murray and Chris Cain, the three work well together and have produced a decent record with some nice and catchy songs. Nice Guys in particular is as good as any of their previous work from With Love and Squalor, Brain Thrust Mastery or the compilation Crap Attack.

The band were clever with their release. Before the album was available to fans, they released two tracks which would ensure fans would come back for more, Rules Don't Stop and Nice Guys.

Rules don't stop is a typical We Are Scientists song, nice and playful, fun lyrics and a nice rocky back beat, this leads perfectly into I Don't Bite which in particular features Chris' strong bass lines. Follow this on with Nice Guys and you think you're onto a winner of an album.

The album starts to fade a little after these tracks however and there is quite a lot of filler. I wouldn't go as far as to say the songs are poor, but they are not what the band will ever be remembered for.

It's not all bad news there are a couple of other songs worthy of a mention, Ambition has a nice catchy guitar riff. You Should Learn is a very lively song which will have you dancing around and singing along just as you'd expect from a We Are Scientists song.

All in all, this album is a decent follow up to their previous attempt. The band have stuck to what they know best; producing music which will appeal to their cult following. It's not an album filled with hits nor is it their best material but Barbara is an album their fans will enjoy. For those who enjoy them in doses (like me), it's nothing to get too excited over. Nor will this album gain any new fanbase.

6/10

Stand out tracks:
Rules Don't Stop
I Don't Bite
Nice Guys
Ambition
You Should Learn

Northern Soul

Listening to:

Mystery Jets - Serotonin - Alice Springs