We Are Scientists

supported by: New Desert Blues

Brooklyn Bowl London (22nd October)

There’s nothing like exploring a new venue, discovering a talented new band, and drinking a LOT of cider on a chilly Wednesday evening to the feel-good tunes (and witty repartee) of We Are Scientists.

First – the venue.  The concept?  Live music played in a bowling alley. Literally in a bowling alley.  With the stage directly in front of you, a long bar to the left (overcrowded and under-staffed – standard – unfortunately) and the flourescent lights of disco bowls to the right, Brooklyn Bowl is slick, clean, and a very cool entertainment venue.

And the sound!  Crystal clear, perfect acoustics, and no ear plugs required.  

New Desert Blues

Kicking off the evening were New Desert Blues, a sextet from Hampshire, though you wouldn’t guess it from their US-inspired sound.  The lead singer’s vocals were stunning.  Standing centre stage with his cherry red Gibson he gave a composed, arresting, faultless performance.  With a touch of comedy when he quipped, “This is a song from our EP.  Our only EP…”

The fresh-faced and unassuming 24 year-old bassist rocked a hat like Adam Bainbridge of Kindness in the promo shot for his upcoming tour.  Though his total lack of rock-godness was apparent when he helped pack up his equipment at the end of the gig.  And he was sweet and humble when my friend complimented him on their performance as he bumped into him and his girlfriend at the bar later that evening.

The band finished off their set with Milk and Honey.  And I have to say, they were an impressive new discovery.  Though I can’t see them playing stadiums, I can definitely see them graduating to a venue such as Shepherd’s Bush in the not-too-distant future.

Do check them out as the band are juggling jobs to fund their music and still earn a living.

We Are Scientists

With the stage cleared away, the bar heaving as people queued for drinks before We Are Scientists stormed the stage, the anticipation in the air was palpable.

Having seen We Are Scientists for the first time supporting The Hives at Brixton Academy in August this year, I was disappointed by the muffled sound.  I’d been wanting to catch the band for years, ever since stumbling upon their brilliant debut LP, With Love & Squalor in 2005.   But on the night their performance was lacklustre, particularly when compared to the high octane antics (and mouth) of Pelle Almqvist.

Boy was I glad I didn’t let that underwhelming experience prevent me from seeing them again.  In the intimate surrounds of the Brooklyn Bowl, their comedy banter oozed self-assured confidence and their full, rich sound belied the fact they’re a three piece.

Kicking off the gig with the rocking guitar riffs of Dumb Luck, one would expect the crowd to go crazy.  Instead the mood was surprisingly mellow.  So much so that Chris Cain drily observed, “Thanks for respecting the ‘no sing along’ policy…”

But track after track built on their catchy melodies and their sheer enjoyment was infectious.  By the fifth track, Textbook, you could finally spot some people singing along in the crowd.

Keith Carne looked like he’d won a competition to play with his favourite band and couldn’t believe his luck.  His Cheshire grin and Animalesque manic drumming style meant he was never going to be a wallflower hidden behind a drum kit.  (N.B. Thanks to Jade for pointing this out in the comments below.  Originally published as Andy Burrows, ex-Razorlight).

And when Tim Wheeler, former lead singer of Ash, rocked on stage to play lead guitar for “After Hours” the crowd went crazy.

Keith Murray quipped that the show was “at least a novella”, referring to that feeling of being ripped off when you buy a book from Amazon and it takes you an hour and a half to read.  Short but perfectly packaged.

For some infectious power pop, that’ll have you bopping along and singing away, We Are Scientists are not to be missed.

Setlist (deduced from dodgy photo)

Dumb Luck
Nobody Move
Rules Don’t Stop
Sprinkles
Textbook
I Don’t Bite
Take An Arrow
It’s A Hit
Make it Easy
Inaction
After Hours
The Great Escape
Nice Guys

This Scene is Dead
Central AC
Slow Down
Impatience

Visit our Flickr page to see photo highlights from the night, and our YouTube channel where you can watch extracts from the show.
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You can also check out our Past Events page to see our music archives.

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