First Impressions: We Are Scientists, “Barbara”

We Are Scientists

Barbara

Masterswan/Megaforce

Release Date: June 15

Track Listing:

1. Rules Don’t Stop
2. I Don’t Bite
3. Nice Guys
4. Jack & Ginger
5. Pittsburgh
6. Ambition
7. Break It Up
8. Foreign Kicks
9. You Should Learn
10. Central AC

First Impressions:

- Indie-pop band We Are Scientists will release its fourth studio album, Barbara, June 15 on Masterswan/Megaforce, and for this release Keith Murray (guitar and vocals) and Chris Cain (bass and backup vocals) recruited ex-Razorlight drummer Andy Burrows to complete the band.

- Barbara has the familiar synth-heavy, dance-rock sound for which the band is known.

- The album’s first single, “Rules Don’t Stop,” has the same catchy hooks and danceable beats that made previous singles like “Nobody Move, Nobody Get Hurt,” “It’s a Hit” (both from With Love & Squalor) and “After Hours” (from Brain Thrust Mastery and, of course, Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist soundtrack) hits. “Rules Don’t Stop” is out now.

- Barbara also has its softer sides with songs like “Pittsburgh” and “Foreign Kicks.” They seem strategically placed between the album’s dominant catchy and up-beat tracks to hold listeners’ attention throughout all 10 songs.

Key Tracks:

“Rules Don’t Stop,” “I Don’t Bite,” “Break It Up,” “Nice Guys,” “You Should Learn”

Predictions:

Barbara has pretty much the same sound and feel of previous We Are Scientists albums, which could prove to be a very good thing since previous releases have earned the band Top 40 singles in the U.K., song placement in movies and TV shows and an ever-increasing following.