We Are Scientists
With Love and Squalor
(EMI/Virgin)
It’s never going to be said that With Love and Squalor was a pivotal point in any movement. We Are Scientists’ sound is an ultra-hip patchwork of well-placed tips of the hat which, on the whole, create a charming overview of the current state of indie-rock. While this leaves them lacking in the individuality department, this record is still the most fun a musical Frankenstein has been in a while. Each track shimmers with huge choruses backed by the currently mandatory whiny vocals and art-geek disco beats. It’s best summed up by opener “Nobody Move, Nobody Get Hurt.” The instantly engaging, beat-propelled song will make you forget about all the other bands that sound the same by the time the first chorus begins.
—Matt Charlton
This article appears in Dec 6-12, 2007.
