Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ

A packed Spring & Airbrake is the venue for We Are Scientists to conclude their UK and Irish 'Behold the American Barbarians' tour. Tonight a mix of young scensters and a trendy older crowd collectively buzzed with excitement waiting for the headline act. It's clear that We Are Scientists fans are here for a good time and to dance around, but before all this kicks off, support act Goldheart Assembly mellow the crowd with their beautiful West Coast style. Plenty of vocal harmonising in tracks like King of Rome and So Long St Christopher leave lend comparison to ΜύLondon's answer to Fleet Foxes. They have picked up loads of favourable press of late so if this is your sort of thing, album 'Wolves and Thieves' is most definitely worth a listen.

But back to the main event. We Are Scientists with their new(ish) line up kick-start their set with their trademark energy and charisma, belting out hit after hit. It's easy to forget how many indie-gems this band have delivered through their four albums and the setlist tonight is a broad mix of all combined. 'Noboby Move, Nobody Get Hurt', 'The Great Escape', 'It's A Hit' and 'This Scene Is Dead' from their second album all go down a treat with the crowd, with the majority of punters belting their lyrics right back at them. 'Chick Lit' and 'After Hours' from their third album Brain Thrust Mastery are also well received and sit well with tracks from their latest release Barbara. Γ―ΒΏΒ½

It's true to say that there is not as much reaction to their new material, but everyone knows it won't be too long before an oldie is pulled out of the bag and everyone can start having a dance and a sing-a-long again.Γ―ΒΏΒ½

We Are Scientists are a great live band, there is no question about this and it seems like they record their albums primarily to be played out. Their live performance is delivered with total confidence, which is not surprising considering the amount of touring this band do. Part of the charm with this band - aside from their music - is their humour, and tonight is no different as floppy haired front man Keith Murray and his bassist side-kick Chris Cain bring their quirky banter and tall tales to Belfast. At times it's funny. Really funny. Like when Keith explains that he would quite like to be the next James Bond and instructs the crowd to chant 'Keith for Bond' for a good couple of minutes.Γ―ΒΏΒ½

Fun and laughing seems to be the main foundation for this band and for their encore of 'Cash Cow', Goldheart Assembly join them onstage for some crazy dancing, a beer and a singalong. The exact same thing that the crowd who came out tonight to see We Are Scientists did as well.Γ―ΒΏΒ½

Lisa Sykes