They may be eternally more recognized and respected in Europe than in their homeland of the U.S. of A., but NYC indie rockers We Are Scientists aren't letting that worldly imbalance throw them off their game. With a new record Barbara, out today (June 15) on Masterswan/Megaforce and a mini-tour scheduled of the U.S., including one Canadian show in Toronto on July 19, the quirky, often goofy outfit are revving up for another bout of on-stage guffaws and danceable, fun post-rock.
The new album is the band's fourth, and first with new drummer Andy Burrows, formerly of UK rock band Razorlight. It was recorded in late fall of 2009 in London, England, Los Angeles and NYC. According to an official statement written by the band, Barbara is "a record that sees [us] return to the stripped-down production sensibilities of [our] gold-selling debut, With Love & Squalor, while continuing to hone the melodic knack that has made [us] popular with fans and men who work for months at sea."
We are Scientists are well known for their hilarious YouTube sketches and funny music videos, the latest of which, for Barbara's "Nice Guys," features singer/guitarist Keith Murray busting some "radical" moves on a kid's scooter. Murray and bassist Chris Cain star in their own series of TV shorts for MTV UK called Steve Wants His Money, which follows the madcap adventures of the duo as they attempt to sell marketing ideas to music industry reps to pay off a debt to some guy named Steve. Tragically, the episodes aren't available to stream in Canada.
No word yet on whether the band will add more U.S. and Canadian tour dates to their dossier this summer, but for now, the confirmed tour dates are below. And to satisfy the insatiable appetites of their European minions, We Are Scientists are also planning to tour the European festival circuit this summer, including stops at Glastonbury, Reading and Leeds.
Barbara:
1. "Rules Don't Stop"
2. "I Don't Bite"
3. "Nice Guys"
4. "Jack & Ginger"
5. "Pittsburgh"
6. "Ambition"
7. "Break It Up"
8. "Foreign Kicks"
9. "You Should Learn"
10. "Central AC"
Tour dates:
7/3 Albany, NY - Pearl-palooza
7/13 Boston, MA - Middle East
7/14 New York, NY - Bowery Ballroom
7/15 Philadelphia, PA - Johnny Brenda's
7/16 Washington, DC - Black Cat
7/17 Brooklyn, NY - Music Hall of Williamsburg/Siren After Party
7/19 Toronto, ON - Horseshoe Tavern
7/20 Ann Arbor, MI - Blind Pig
7/21 Chicago, IL - Bottom Lounge
7/23 Denver, CO - Larimer Lounge
7/26 Portland, OR - Doug Fir Lounge
7/28 Seattle, WA - Neumo's
The new album is the band's fourth, and first with new drummer Andy Burrows, formerly of UK rock band Razorlight. It was recorded in late fall of 2009 in London, England, Los Angeles and NYC. According to an official statement written by the band, Barbara is "a record that sees [us] return to the stripped-down production sensibilities of [our] gold-selling debut, With Love & Squalor, while continuing to hone the melodic knack that has made [us] popular with fans and men who work for months at sea."
We are Scientists are well known for their hilarious YouTube sketches and funny music videos, the latest of which, for Barbara's "Nice Guys," features singer/guitarist Keith Murray busting some "radical" moves on a kid's scooter. Murray and bassist Chris Cain star in their own series of TV shorts for MTV UK called Steve Wants His Money, which follows the madcap adventures of the duo as they attempt to sell marketing ideas to music industry reps to pay off a debt to some guy named Steve. Tragically, the episodes aren't available to stream in Canada.
No word yet on whether the band will add more U.S. and Canadian tour dates to their dossier this summer, but for now, the confirmed tour dates are below. And to satisfy the insatiable appetites of their European minions, We Are Scientists are also planning to tour the European festival circuit this summer, including stops at Glastonbury, Reading and Leeds.
Barbara:
1. "Rules Don't Stop"
2. "I Don't Bite"
3. "Nice Guys"
4. "Jack & Ginger"
5. "Pittsburgh"
6. "Ambition"
7. "Break It Up"
8. "Foreign Kicks"
9. "You Should Learn"
10. "Central AC"
Tour dates:
7/3 Albany, NY - Pearl-palooza
7/13 Boston, MA - Middle East
7/14 New York, NY - Bowery Ballroom
7/15 Philadelphia, PA - Johnny Brenda's
7/16 Washington, DC - Black Cat
7/17 Brooklyn, NY - Music Hall of Williamsburg/Siren After Party
7/19 Toronto, ON - Horseshoe Tavern
7/20 Ann Arbor, MI - Blind Pig
7/21 Chicago, IL - Bottom Lounge
7/23 Denver, CO - Larimer Lounge
7/26 Portland, OR - Doug Fir Lounge
7/28 Seattle, WA - Neumo's