Line-up

Headliner
We Are Scientists Last time in Leeds: 1 year ago

Venue

Leeds Irish Centre

York Road, LS9 9NT, Leeds, UK

www.theleedsirishcentre.co.uk

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We Are Scientists biography

We Are Scientists is a New York-based indie rock band that formed in Berkeley, California in 2000 and consists of Keith Murray and Chris Cain.

We Are Scientists members Keith Murray and Chris Cain met in 1997 at Pomona College, along with original guitarist and vocalist Scott Lamb.

Their style is inspired by live performers such as The Rapture and David Bowie. The sounds and artists that influence the recorded material of the band include varying acts such as Brian Eno, Velvet Underground, My Bloody Valentine and Fleetwood Mac.

After their move to Brooklyn, New York in 2001 the band began recording their debut album on November 10, 2001, and 'Safety, Fun, and Learning (In That Order)' was released in April 2002 but unfortunately failed to make an impact on the UK album charts. However, due to relentless touring and an aid from the blogosphere, the band achieved a commercial break with the follow-up 'With Love And Squalor' charting just outside the top 40 in 2006.

To promote their next album the band made their second appearance at the Reading and Leeds Festivals, performing on the Radio One Stage and introduced Max Hart who would be providing guitar and keyboards at live shows, in preparation for a UK tour in November. Days before this tour was scheduled to begin, drummer Michael Tapper unexpectedly quit the band meaning Gary Powell and Adam Aaronson had to step in.

'Brain Thrust Mastery' went on to be their highest charting UK album, peaking at #11 helped by support from Radio 1 DJs at the time Jo Whiley and Edith Bowman. The next album 'Barbara' was a commercial miss after WAS split from EMI Records and released this LP on PIAS Recordings. It fell outside the UK top 40 due to poor promotion although critical response for this album was overall positive. The 2014 album 'TV en Français' re-entered the top 40 at #36 and #5 on the Indie Charts. The band took to the road in September to promote its release with Surfer Blood, releasing an exclusive joint vinyl which featured new song 'Distillery'. In April 2018, the band released their seventh studio album "Megaplex," featuring singles 'No Wait at Five Leaves' and 'Heart is a Weapon.'

Live reviews

We Are Scientists hail from California, although spend most of their days in Brooklyn, NY.

Their unique brand of post punk and energetic indie rock translates well in a live setting. It makes for a very fun show, a lot of dancing, whatever the setting. Mostly, they play the hits. But change the setlist around every night to make it interesting for us, and for them!

They have played larger shows in Arenas supporting bands such as Muse where they get a chance to bounce around the stage even more, acting like kids placed in a sweet shop! They obviously love doing what they do. Don't worry though, across North America and Europe they are often found playing a variety of venues including very small clubs ranging to larger venues.

Another treat for fans is that We Are Scientists often make the effort to play places that other bands may miss, meaning you often won't have to travel hours to catch them live. One of the most brilliant aspects of a We Are Scientists live show isn't their energetic, guitar driven, danceable music, but their comedy. Yes, comedy.

They are renowned for being a great laugh when on stage, interacting with crowd members, sharing funny stories or generally just joking around! This comes naturally to them and isn't rehearsed, although they do come up with their own music videos and have even had a small series of shorts aired on MTV ('Steve wants his money'). All of this can make a We Are Scientists show a night to be remembered.

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