Album review: We Are Scientists, The Black Watch, Robert Forster

Artist: We Are Scientists

Title: Qualifying Miles (Groenland)

You might like if you enjoy: The Killers, Two Door Cinema Club, Franz Ferdinand  

Tell me more: Lead singer/guitarist Keith Murray and bassist Chris Cain formed W.A.S. after attending Pomona College and relocating to Berkeley in the late ‘90s. With Love and Squalor and its accompanying wry, spiky singles were met with UK success during the 2000s post-punk revival (a deluxe LP reissue drops Oct. 10). Now the NYC-based band is back with this stellar ninth studio album, characterized by an organic sonic approach and a mature, nostalgic mindset. All the tunes are winners. Epic, majestic opener “A Prelude to What” envelops the listener like prime Cocteau Twins, the gilded guitar lines and solo on “What You Want is Gone” evokes Nineties-era Radiohead, while “The Big One” utilizes a quiet/loud dynamic to fine effect and has a Muse-styled guitar solo. Finally, the effervescent “Promise Me” ends everything on wonderous melodic note. Definitely a Best of ’25 contender.

Information: wearescientists.com

Artist: The Black Watch

Title: For All the World (Atom)

You might like if you enjoy: House of Love, My Bloody Valentine, The Cure, Flaming Lips

Tell me more: The Black Watch, the LA-based alternative rock band led by singer/guitarist John Andrew Frederick since 1987, recently released its 25^th (and first double) album. Despite clocking in at 67 minutes on CD/LP, For All the World doesn’t feel overstuffed. In fact, the 21 songs here often prove enchanting and thought-provoking. Frederick - who holds a Ph.D. in English, has taught at various California colleges and universities, published novels and poetry – crafts erudite lyrics that stand out from the indie rock competition. There are welcome jangle pop, psychedelia, shoegaze, and post-punk elements throughout. Standouts include a New Order-esque “Not for Us,” the driving, mellotron-infused “Lord Marchpane,” a relaxing European coffeehouse vibe on “There’s a Place,” the baroque string section-enhanced “The Knife Cliché” (bringing to mind early Black Watch) and the haunting acoustic guitar-driven, near-bolero “Spanish Vamp.”   

Information: theblackwatch.bandcamp.com

Artist: Robert Forster

Title: Strawberries (Tapete)

You might like if you enjoy: Robyn Hitchcock, Jarvis Cocker, Jonathan Richman

Tell me more: As the former co-lead singer/guitarist of beloved Brisbane jangle pop band the Go-Betweens, Robert Forster helped craft an acclaimed catalog during the 1980s and 2000s. Strawberries is a fine addition to his solo cannon. Peter Moren (of Peter, Bjorn & John) produced it at his Swedish studio with local musicians as well as adding guitar and backing vocals. This arresting folk-leaning album is highlighted by a breezy “Tell it Back to Me,” the twangy “Good to Cry,” Forster’s playful duet with his wife on the jaunty title track and lean sax-driven rocker “All of the Time.”        

Information: tapeterecords.com

My reviews originally appeared in Desert Star Weekly.