We Are Scientists - Academy, Manchester, 15/4/2008
by Helen Tipping
published: 20 / 4 / 2008

intro
With their off-beat humour, stage banter and anthemic dance tunes, Helen Tipping asks why hardworking American band We Are Scientists still aren't better known after watching them play an enthralling set at the Academy in Manchester
We Are Scientists usually put on a good live show and can be relied upon to be entertaining above and beyond the usual gig. Their funny interjections and banter are almost better than the songs. This time around we were treated to finding out that the dinosaurs died out due as a result of low self esteem in the intro to 'Dinosaurs', and also singing happy birthday to new drummer Adam Aaranson. We had to join in that one. The set list was filled with quite a few numbers off the new album, 'Brain Thrust Mastery', which was good as I hadn’t had an opportunity to hear it, but equally there were enough recognisable tunes for people to sing along and dance to. We Are Scientists opened with 'Ghouls', which left some of the crowd a little confused, but as soon as they recognised the next track, 'Nobody Move', the crowd were moving. The reception for We Are Scientists was enthusiastic and that was noted by the band. There was crowd surfing and shoe throwing and all round entertainment – balloons were even tied to Adam’s drum kit for the encore. We Are Scientists are hardworking and appear to have been touring the UK constantly for the past 2 years with sell out shows, They aren’t a second rate band, but the way that hardly anyone despite this seems to have heard of them is pretty unfortunate and due for a change. The photographs that accompanybthis article were taken by Neil Bailey exlusively for Pennyblackmusic.
Picture Gallery:-





interviews |
Interview (2005) |
![]() |
New York-based trio and post-punks We are Scientists are just about to release their debut album 'With Love and Squalor' and have just toured Britain with the Editors. Anthony Strutt talks to them about their increasing profile |
reviews |
With Love And Squalor (2005) |
![]() |
Enjoyable 80's-influenced post punk from New York-based trio We are Scientists which is reminiscent of the likes of the Chameleons, Interpol and the Departure |
Nobody Move, Nobody Get Hurt (2005) |
most viewed articles
current edition
Yardbirds - Interview with Jim McCartyPeter Doherty - Blackheath Halls, Blackheath and Palace Halls, Watford, 18/3/2025 and 21/3/2025
Johnny Cash - Video Vault
John Philip Shenale - Interview
Max Bianco and the BlueHearts - Troubadour, London, 29/3/2025
Armory Show - Interview with Richard Jobson
Deb Googe and Cara Tivey - Interview
Loft - Interview
Vapors - Interview
Waeve - Club Academy, Manchester, 18/3/2025
previous editions
Heavenly - P.U.N.K. Girl EPBeautiful South - Ten Songs That Made Me Love...
Barrie Barlow - Interview
Pixies - Ten Songs That Made Me Love...
Trudie Myerscough-Harris - Interview
Boomtown Rats - Ten Songs That Made Me Love....
Cliff Richard and The Shadows - Comment
Paul Clerehugh - Interview
Pere Ubu - Interview with David Thomas
Ken Loach - Interview
most viewed reviews
current edition
Bryan Ferry and Amelia Barrett - Loose TalkIvor Game - When Will You Fall Into My Loving Arms?
Gabriel Moreno - Nights in the Belly of Bohemia
Doris Brendel and Lee Dunham - Big Blue Sky
Bryan Adams - Live at the Royal Albert Hall 2024
Brooke Combe - Dancing at the Edge of the World
Ringo Starr - Look Up
Shaw's Trailer Park - I Thought I Saw You
Leon Bridges - Leon
FKA twigs - Eusexua
Pennyblackmusic Regular Contributors
Adrian Janes
Amanda J. Window
Andrew Twambley
Anthony Dhanendran
Benjamin Howarth
Cila Warncke
Daniel Cressey
Darren Aston
Dastardly
Dave Goodwin
Denzil Watson
Dominic B. Simpson
Eoghan Lyng
Fiona Hutchings
Harry Sherriff
Helen Tipping
Jamie Rowland
John Clarkson
Julie Cruickshank
Kimberly Bright
Lisa Torem
Maarten Schiethart