We Are Scientists, Megaplex - album review

They slayed guitar-led indie, rocked with electro synth pop and even dabbled with a more stripped back acoustic nature.

This, album number six, mixes up a lot of the above in a retro 80s cement mixer and lets it set.

Fans of their smash 2006 record With Love And Squalor will squeal with delight when they hear some of these tracks. And adorers of 2008's Brain Thrust Mastery will revel in some of the electronic melodies spread throughout.

Notes In A Bottle will speak to lovers of the former of the two. Staccato percussion propels forward the classic rock vibe with its sing-along chorus and punchy lyrics.

Wordsmithing is one of Scientist Keith Murray's strong points. He can play it serious or for laughs - the back-and-forth patter with bassist Chris Cain on stage has to be heard. And here he waxes lyrical with his usual ease.

Now Or Never also has a nostalgic feel, it's like WAS' take on the grunge scene with that deliciously low opening riff. Again, it will take fans back to that earlier sound.

And when we go electro like they did on Brain Thrust Mastery we have equal doses of fun. Opening number One In One Out takes a sideways look at the trials and tribulations of romance while the robotic interludes sweep around behind the vocals.

Heart Is A Weapon also carries the synth pop heyday vibes with its high and funky chorus. The space-age twinkles backing these sections will have many feet tapping. Go on, try and resist.

“In the past we’ve used our music to educate, to enlighten, to awaken people to the depth and complexity of moral concerns," said Chris. "This time, we really wanted to drop a fun-bomb.”

And you can see what he means throughout. It does have a slightly more frolicking feel to previous creations, and that opens up that latest switch in attitude and direction.

Bravo gentlemen, like Doctor Who you've done it once again.

Rating: 7/10

We Are Scientists stop off at Birmingham's O2 Institute 3 on May 6