Encouragingly, the two Scientists (now shorn of drummer Michael Tapper) have moved beyond their self admitted ‘genre specific’ debut and thrown a heap of new ingredients into the pot. Now there’s wincing feedback, ‘80s synths and pop-heavy production to add to the former fare of sharp riffs and equally lysergic lyrics. Tracks like lead single ‘After Hours’ will welcome the old back to the fold with its constant, melodic guitars and vocal hooks, while opener ‘Ghouls’ and ‘Altered Beasts’ replicate the enjoyable trick, piling on hooks and harmonies by the dozen. ‘Chick Lit’ and ‘Impatience’, two of the best tracks on the record, have the shiny, fluid thumping pop production that you might to expect to find more on a Britney Spears comeback track than a We Are Scientists album, but principal songwriter Keith Murray has merged these sounds with his own particular songwriting rather well, showing the desire to broaden his palate, and widening the possible reach of his duo. The suspicion is confirmed early on, with ‘Lethal Enforcer’ sounding like a cross between Sade and Duran Duran; luxurious yet hesitant, a piece of glossy white soul balladry. It’s an oddity, but somehow rather endearing.