TV en Francais by We Are Scientists album review

New York's finest indie rock trio are back with album number four "TV en Francais". This record sees the band return more to their earlier days in terms of sound and overall it's a lot like their first album, "With Love and Squalor". It's punchy, raw and a lot of people love this type of sound. However, others would argue that it's not really anything new so therefore it's kind of boring. Have guitar band We Are Scientists turned dull or have they managed to deliver the goods? Let's find out.

There are a few songs that instantly jump out at you upon first listen. "Dumb Luck" has a guitar riff that is pure AC/DC and Angus Young himself would be proud of it. The song then erupts into a great chorus and it's all rather dandy. Straight after this we then get "Make It Easy" which is a shining gem because of how well it builds up. Each section of the song adds something new and it's a real treat on the ears. "Courage" really stands out too with it's "Everybody Hurts" style guitar parts, it doesn't sound depressing though and instead it sounds rather romantic, kind of like a prom night song. However, my only niggle with this song is that it ends really abruptly and it could do with another chorus or two. Plus, "Sprinkles" also has a cool surf rock vibe to it and "Slow Down" is (ironically) a great fast paced number.

Unfortunately there are also a few songs on "TV en Francais" that fail to capture the imagination. Album opener "What You Do Best" doesn't really open the album with a bang because of it's minor chords and anti climactic chorus. "Return The Favour" and "Don't Blow It" are also a lot sadder sounding but they still have that rock edge. Sure, you could argue that the band are trying to mix things up by adding a sad tone but they should of had some better hooks before doing this. It's not all doom and gloom though, "Overreacting" saves the day with it's jangly guitar riffs and funky melodies.

I can't help but feel that this album would of been a lot better if it had more songs that sounded like "Courage" on it. That song was easily the most fascinating tune on the album and it could of possibly influenced a few more potential songs. Overall "TV en Francais" is raw at it's core but it fails to inspire at times. If the song writing was a bit more intricate then this would of been a fantastic album. Top marks for making the early punchy sound interesting again though We Are Scientists, you've managed to deliver the goods but they're not quite in mint condition.

OVERALL RATING: 7/10

BEST SONGS: MAKE IT EASY, COURAGE, OVERREACTING.
WORST SONG: RETURN THE FAVOUR.