Ok, so maybe they are not a "new band", or even "unknown", but they are wonderful ear candy. Those that have been following the various incarnations of my online persona will remember that when their first album "with love and squalor" came out that I listened to it almost incessantly for about a week, and ever since then it has been in regular rotation on my mp3 player. Aside from its clever pop hooks, fantastic rhythm section, it also forced me to investigate some of the meanings behind the words. For example, "With love and squalor" is actually a partial title of a short story written by J.D. Salinger, and once I found that out, I actually went out and read all his short stories (which are absolutely incredible must reads by the way). It is very rare that a pop record touches me in this way, so I was eagerly anticipating the second release from the Scientists entitled "Brain thrust mastery".
As we are going to see the band play at the Shepherd's Bush Empire next week, we wanted to make sure we were familiar with the new songs, so we picked up the album as soon as funds allowed, and let me tell you, they've done it again, but in a completely different way. I was a bit skeptical initially upon learning that drummer Michael Tapper, the phenomenal drummer, had left the band (comprised of him, Chris Cain on bass, and Keith Murray vocals and guitar) before this album was completed. They haven't released the details of the split, but it doesn't appear to be particularly acrimonious. In the meantime, the remaining duo have picked up a couple of great session players for live gigs and to finish the album.
And what an album it is. The Cain/Murray duo have obviously been listening to their 80s greatest hits a lot over the last year. Gone are the thundering guitar hooks, gone is the interplay between the bass and drums. Instead, you get synth, sax, clever lyrics, and a good dose of Tears for Fears-ish ballady songs. Now to some that might sound like a bit of an insult, but honestly, this album is still enjoyable. It is NOT as good as their debut, but despite being a very different record, you can still tell instantly that is was created by the Scientists. I don't know how they manage to make such a departure from their signature sound and still maintain that Scientists edge to it, but they do, and after a few listens, you too will realize that although they will never be classified as a truly influential band, they do make extremely pleasing ear candy.
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