FOLLOWING on from the more anthemic synth sound of Brain Thrust Mastery, We Are Scientists return to the dance-punk riffs that made debut With Love And Squalor such a hit with their now-worldwide fanbase.

They have finally found a permanent replacement for Michael Tapper. Alex Burrows (Razorlight) has taken up the sticks to keep time after his public falling out with Johnny Borrell forced him to leave his former friends.

Straight away the album explodes in to life. Rules Don’t Stop and I Don’t Bite are heavy rock-pop numbers with a twang of the dance vibe given off from their two previous records.

Break It Up is an example of the darker, post-punk numbers the band can create. Keith Murray’s unmistakable crooning vocals narrate a vicious tale of arguments and strife set against aggressive riffs and hard-hitting drums.

While not as fresh and vibrant as that magnificent debut it certainly carries on the good work of a band now a decade old. Has it really been that long?

A great return from one of the current music scene’s most underrated bands. Offering so much more than most of the copycat, middle-of-the-road nonsense we are forced to endure by our radio stations those that haven’t yet picked up on the Californian’s sounds get on board. You won’t regret it!

Rating: 4/5 LEIGH SANDERS