Barbara

The release of We Are Scientists’ third studio LP heralds changes on a number of fronts. Not only is Barbara the first offering from the band since splitting from EMI/Virgin in 2009, the record also sees drummer Andy Burrows cementing his place behind the kit following his shock defection from Razorlight.
Having set out to create an album they could reproduce live as a trio, the band cut right to the chase with opener and lead single ‘Rules Don’t Stop’. From the outset, frontman Keith Murray brings out a myriad of guitar textures from his arsenal. High-flying bass grooves, catchy vocal hooks and the added intentions of a drummer clearly out to prove a point mean the likes of ‘I Don’t Bite’ and ‘You Should Learn’ will keep fans up front and dancing at summer festivals.
Despite the odd moment when the record seems to miss the intensity of the band’s energetic onstage exploits, there’s a lively dynamic throughout. With a duration of 31 minutes 50 seconds the album maintains its intensity, momentarily turning dark on the fantastic ‘Pittsburgh’, before building to the final track ‘Central AC’, which sees the band defiantly ending with all guns blazing.