We Are Scientists - With Love And Squalor

We Are Scientists - With Love And Squalor
The first track, Nobody Move, Nobody Get Hurt, is a real statement of intent. Upbeat, danceable indie rock with angular guitars, a booty shaking rhythm section and a thrilling, galloping instrumental middle eight. The lyrics of 'I won't tell anybody, If you want to use my body, Go for it' have an air of desperation about them and mark the band out as underdogs, which really works. This is cool music played by nerdy losers.

Callbacks is the most aggressive track, obtuse yet with a solid pop chorus and a Gang Of Four gone rockabilly vibe. Can't Lose is college rock with a funky twist. The terrific Textbooks has shimmering shoegaze guitars, Les Savy Fav's art rock basslines and 80s goth vocals. The biggest comparison, however, is Franz Ferdinand's angular pop. It's A Hit is Franz cool during the verse and urgent pop during the killer chorus, all propelled by some dynamic drumming.

The best songs (Cash Cow and The Great Escape) have one foot on the dancefloor and one foot in indie cool, whilst still having one eye on the pop charts. A great record.