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The Onion (A.V. Club)

Brain Thrust Mastery wouldn't exist without the '80s, but We Are Scientists offer up more than just retro-rock, even when they get as danceable as The Killers.

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Alternative Press

While such eclecticism usually plays better across the pond, it's hard to resist the nimble melodies and kinetic enthusiasm the Scientists put on display, even if the authenticity is somewhat suspect. [July 2008, p.158]

Under The Radar

We Are Scientists hit all the right notes--albeit in a most self-deprecating tone. [Summer 2008, p.90]

New Musical Express

Just because Brain Thrust Mastery doesn’t attempt to shoehorn some hamfisted social commentary or poverty-ending rhetoric into its 11 tracks doesn’t make it lightweight indie fluff; far from it–-We Are Scientists are serious about having fun.

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Drowned In Sound

It’s a mixed bag then: sometimes they hit bull’s-eye, other times they miss the board altogether, but the erratic results reveal a band dragging themselves out of their comfort zone.

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Lost At Sea

Things get really sketchy, in the sense that most of the tunes are just that, sketches, with an arrangement or melodic idea worth pursuing that doesn't reach high enough.

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Spin

Murray doesn't sound like he's going anywhere but straight home after last call. [June 2008, p.119]

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Paste Magazine

The Brooklyn band’s innate charm and accessibility allows forgiveness of its near-abandonment of bass-driven new wave.

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Urb

The album certainly excells when the faux-accent is beaming British. When it isn't, the album can grow monotonous but overall, Brain Thrust Mastery keeps the trash smelling absolutley delightful.

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Boston Globe

Their copycat approach is a bit too formulaic - it seems they've lost their kooky chemistry found on the first album. Though these new tracks are enjoyable enough and may give the band more of a mainstream audience, there's nothing mind-blowing on the Scientists' latest experiment.

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Q Magazine

Amazingly Brain Thrust Mastery manages to be both calculating and emotional in the same breath. [Apr 2008, p.117]

Mojo

We Are Scientists now sound less like a band you might have seen on a bill with Bloc Party. [Apr 2008, p.112]

All Music Guide

There are some solid album tracks that recall the more daring aspects of the debut, particularly the abstract, dark-hued cool of the opener, "Ghouls," and the catchy and energetic "Tonight." But the rest of Brain Thrust Mastery consists of pleasantly tuneful pop songs that barely register with the listener even after several repetitions.

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The Guardian

It's another guilty pleasure from an album that sacrifices identity in a scramble for catchy tunes.

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Uncut

In a world of fast thrills, WAS remain admirably opaque. [Apr 2008, p.109]

Pitchfork

As far as mainstream pop-rock records go, Brain Thrust Mastery occasionally gets the job done.

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Slant Magazine

Brain Thrust Mastery eschews the scenester party-and-sex themes of the band's sorta-breakthrough "With Love and Squalor" for more grown-up subject matter.

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PopMatters

Brain Thrust Mastery contains a lot more variety than its predecessor, which, although enjoyable, blended together at times.

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musicOMH.com

None of it stops you longing after the energy and charm of their debut.

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What Our Users Said

The average user rating for this album is 9.6 (out of 10) based on 62 User Votes

Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

Nathan G gave it a9:
Great album, more songs that stand out than the first album. It has a great 80's sound, can't wait to see them play this album live live, thats where WAS really exceed over all other bands.

David A. gave it a6:
This is an OK effort, but compared to their first album I would sat this is a step backwards. They seem to have switched styles to a more 80's dance rock, from their previous indie sound. I am not a big fan of the change. The album is OK, but I hope I can chalk it up to sophomore slump.

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