01 November 2012 (gig)
02 November 2012
It's a night of contrasts in East London in the shadow of the vast ExCel centre, we're here at a smaller, more intimate gig to celebrate the culmination of many months of work. We Are Scientists take to the stage with support from Sky Castles, who got their chance to not only play their first London gig, but were given the added task of writing a brand new song in 12 hours.
A pretty daunting task for the unsigned band from Antwerp, but fear not because the internationally renowned We Are Scientists were on hand to help. Or as the boys put it themselves ‘distract’ Sky Castles every now and again by napping in various locations in the studio.
Although this is a big night for Sky Castles, the night was really about seeing We Are Scientists in a more humble and relaxed surrounding. It was a stripped back feel with lead singer Keith Murray armed with an acoustic guitar and backed up by fellow founding member, bass player Chris Cain and ex-Razorlight drummer Andy Burrows forming the rhythm section.
I say backing up, but really the whole band were as much a part of the show as any one individual. They deliver a strong performance with vocal harmonies coming together almost effortlessly and even a performance of one song they had never rehearsed before. When there is chemistry between 3 musicians, it really shows and that was definitely true tonight.
There was more focus on newer material such as ‘Rules Don’t Stop’ and even a brand new track that hasn't even been released yet. Only ‘Nobody Move, Nobody Get Hurt’ from 2006’s hit album ‘With Love and Squalor’ made the set list, but I wasn't too disappointed with that. Although personally I'm more familiar with their older material, I really enjoyed the newer material, especially in this sort of setting where the songs got an opportunity to shine through more.
A short, sharp set interlaced with comical banter between Cain and Murray provided a fun night of entertainment for the lively crowd. A rare opportunity to see a genuinely talented band do what they do best. I for one am looking forward to new material and hopefully to seeing them again in the future.
We Are Scientists supported 'Play and Stay at Aloft' winners Sky Castles, to write and record a new track in 12 hours - you can download the track here: http://soundcloud.com/skycastlesband/little-bit-of-feel/download
