WE Are Scientists release their fifth album ‘Helter Seltzer’ on Friday (April 22). Quays News entertainment reporter Hollie Rees has already had a listen…
“We’re excited. To be honest, we’re slightly trembling over here.”
Referring to the release of their fifth studio album in a blog post published on their official website, We Are Scientists expressed how happy they are regarding the run up to and release of ‘Helter Seltzer’.
The New York City-based duo, often referred to as W.A.S for short, really shouldn’t be trembling though. Chris Cain and Keith Murray have been working on their latest release since the beginning of 2015 and the final product is a crisp 10 tracks, each containing the ideal mix of vocals and sounds which are faultlessly delivered in their own recognisable style.
HELTER SELTZER, our 5th & flashiest album, is out in A WEEK!
You're seriously going to love this thing—we basically made it with you in mind— We Are Scientists (@wearescientists) April 15, 2016
First up on the album, ‘Buckle’, lays out the tone for the whole album. This track is packed full of catchy lyrics and an impressive guitar solo, slightly resembling earlier songs by the duo.
In an interview with NOISEY, bassist Cain, explained that the song is written about “that moment in a relationship when you’re finding out if it’s ‘a go’.” While the meaning behind the lyrics can be seen as rather deep and personal, W.A.S did what they always have done and successfully managed to inject humour into the song.
The music video shows Cain being pelted with chocolate cake, carrot juice and other brightly coloured liquids and foods by Murray, giving the track a completely different feel. Upon second listen, you’ll hear it in a whole new way.
Sticking closely to the theme of love and relationships, some of the remaining song titles appear to be based around this typical topic too, such as tracks, ‘Classic Love’ and ‘Waiting For You’.
With lyrics relating to “settling down” and “always being there”, the listener might begin to question whether the entire album is written with the relationship which inspired ‘Buckle’ in mind. Again, the duo manage to divert the songs from sounding too serious by layering catchy choruses with guitar heavy verses.
‘Want For Nothing’ is a personal favourite. This track does have an air of melancholy surrounding it, which the pair haven’t attempted to cover up. Murray’s vocals sound as though they’re emerging directly from the heart and it just feels like the ideal song to listen to through earphones while on a long train journey.
Listening to @wearescientists talking about Helter Seltzer on @BBC6Music. LOVE THEM. My faves.
— Stephie (@imcountingufoz) March 31, 2016
Tracks ‘Too Late’ and ‘Hold On’ both boast motivational lyrics and appear to have a more upbeat sound. Murray perfectly combines vocals with the keyboard particularly in ‘Hold On’, giving the track a funky modern vibe.
Songs ‘In My Head’ and ‘Headlights’ sound as though they could be taken from earlier albums by the duo. Ditching the slightly soothing and calming sound and retreating back to a wilder, intense feel proves that they’re not trying to reinvent themselves completely.
Closing the album is track ‘Forgiveness’, which works well as the final song. An impeccable guitar instrumental makes up the last minute of it and brings the whole album to a satisfying close.
After being in the music scene for roughly fifteen years and releasing their last album, ‘Tv en Francais’, back in 2014, W.A.S are a band that can quickly slip under the radar. However, they always bounce right back up. Unlike other musicians, they’re not solely in the industry for the fame and fortune and have always gone about their musical journey at a steady pace.
The release of ‘Helter Seltzer’ combined with a huge UK, US and EU tour will definitely attract a range of both new and old fans and get them listening to their compilation of quirky, relatable and upbeat tracks once more.
After just one listen of ‘Helter Seltzer’, you’ll start to pick up on the lyrics and tune of each song. After listening to it twice, you’ll know each one off by heart.
By Hollie Rees
@holliejrees
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