We Are Scientists, 'Brain Thrust Mastery' (Astralwerks)
Heedless party-crashers get the inevitable pop hangover.
By Julia Simon 05.15.08 2:25 PM
The title of the second LP by this Brooklyn synth-rock duo (formerly a trio) loosely alludes to singer Keith Murray’s newly discreet, mind-over- body m.o. On 2006’s flashy major-label debut With Love and Squalor -- a surprise gold-seller in England -- Murray boozed until he blacked out and invited ladies to use and abuse his body. But on the glitzy rave-ups here, he’s hesitant, intoning on “Altered Beast,” “I should take my time / I should think this through.” Spiky single “After Hours” -- which bites some moves off the Killers’ Hot Fuss -- may nod to his band’s former reckless ways, but Murray doesn’t sound like he’s going anywhere but straight home after last call.
