We Are Scientists head in a dance-rock direction with their sixth album,
Megaplex, a livelier and more full-bodied affair than 2016's
Helter Seltzer. Less
Editors and
Bloc Party and more
Walk the Moon and
Capital Cities,
Megaplex finds
We Are Scientists experimenting with digital layers, polished production, and a more synth-driven approach to their generally angular post-punk sound. Standouts include the cheerful opener, "One in, One Out," a summery dose of anthemic energy that pairs nicely with the '80s synth sheen of "Heart Is a Weapon." They briefly venture into garage rock territory on "Your Light Has Changed," while "No Wait at Five Leaves" recalls the early 2000s, with driving bass and jagged guitar that opens to the heavens on its grand chorus. With
Megaplex,
We Are Scientists take further steps away from the sound that established them in the early 2000s, embracing pleasurable pop. ~ Neil Z. Yeung