Album Review: We Are Scientists, "Brain Thrust Mastery" (Astralwerks)

We Are Scientists [ tickets ], Brooklyn-based indie-dance rockers with a knack for fun, catchy choruses and tongue-in-cheek lyrics, make a spectacular return with their sophomore release, "Brain Thrust Mastery." The band's 2006 major-label debut, "With Love and Squalor," a feisty mix of high-energy rock and shout-along hooks, aligned We Are Scientists with such famed UK-acts as Editors and Arctic Monkeys. Since that album, We Are Scientists lost a member (drummer Michael Tapper) and replaced him with two musicians-for-hire who bring with them an array of instrumental sounds, including keyboards and saxophone. Despite Tapper's absence, We Are Scientists' music is fuller and bigger than ever.With "Brain Thrust Mastery," the Scientists (vocalist/guitarist Keith Murray and bassist Chris Cain) take the concept of their previous songs--startling, rapid indie rock and '90s garage-driven tunes--and turn them into Cure-like unforgettable '80s new wave melodies, TV on the Radio climaxes and Bloc Party-esque lively guitar moments. Lyrically, Murray still contemplates the beauty of endless drunken nights and takes playful approaches to romantic drama. Undertones of wit, sarcasm and wordplay have become trademarks of this clever duo. Astute listeners (and most of this group's fans are) will find a plethora of brilliant lyrical antics. On "Tonight," Murray insists: "I promise to remember that making promises is always a mistake." Encouraging the party not to stop is the album's most outstanding pop track, "After Hours," during which Murray sings: "We're finally drunk enough that we're finally soaking up the hours that everyone else blows away � One final round 'cause time means nothing." Although there are a couple of swoon-worthy ballads, overall, "Brain Thrust Mastery" is essential party music at its finest. Side effects from listening may include worn-out dancing shoes and a heavy-duty hangover.