The group’s musical influence is incredibly liberal and diverse and they make an effort to create a sound entirely their own through a unique aggregation of previously developed genres. Interestingly enough the one music style that brought the group together (i.e. Opera) does not have a strong presence in the group’s general sound.
The band’s very origin can be traced back to various projects that lead vocalist Sebastian Pringle, electronic instrumentalist Gilbert Vierich, and guitarist Graham Dickson were in. The band became complete with the addition of drummer Andrea Marongiu and vocalists Mimi Borelli and Laure Stockley. Stockley would provide the band with the name Crystal Fighters. This name was taken from an opera Stockley’s grandfather wrote during a state of derangement.
The Opera was written in a secluded area in the countryside of Basque. The band grew interested in both the contents of the Opera and Basque music and sought to integrate both these elements into their music. The band began to play live shows based on many of the concepts represented in Stockley’s grandfather’s book and extrapolated some of the book’s themes in their own sound.
The band’s exotic sound largely stems from their diverse implementation of instruments. Apart from traditional rock instruments such as the electric and acoustic guitar, synthesizer and drum set, the band uses highly specified world folk instruments like the txalaparta (a melodic percussive instrument in the style of an xylophone), danbolin (a type of drum) and txistu (a pipe whistle). The band lists a wide range of influences spanning from proto-punk legends Velvet Underground to cult hip-hop producer Madlib. The band continues to adopt new musical ideas and influences as they progress as a band. During the late 2000s they found a particular interest in African and Hispanic dance patterns as well as Mexican electronica.
Before the band released their debut album they were being praised by critics abroad for their inventive and multi-cultural sound. The band put out their first full length album, “Star of Love” on 4 October 2010 through their own label Zirkulo. This release would later be distributed in the United States through Atlantic Records in 2012 and would also include two additional songs. The album was released to critical acclaim and was followed up by their 2013 album “Cave Rave”.
This album was featured on Jay-Z’s website “Life + Times” and was promoted by the band with an extensive European and American tour. The group is highly regarded for being one of the most energetic and spontaneous live bands out there. They also have a reputation as being one of the most hardworking touring bands. From 2008 to 2010 they have played over 100 shows in 15 different countries. Some of the shows being prestigious festivals such as Glastonbury and Leeds Festival.
We Are Scientists members Keith Murray and Chris Cain met in 1997 at Pomona College, along with original guitarist and vocalist Scott Lamb.
Their style is inspired by live performers such as The Rapture and David Bowie. The sounds and artists that influence the recorded material of the band include varying acts such as Brian Eno, Velvet Underground, My Bloody Valentine and Fleetwood Mac.
After their move to Brooklyn, New York in 2001 the band began recording their debut album on November 10, 2001, and 'Safety, Fun, and Learning (In That Order)' was released in April 2002 but unfortunately failed to make an impact on the UK album charts. However, due to relentless touring and an aid from the blogosphere, the band achieved a commercial break with the follow-up 'With Love And Squalor' charting just outside the top 40 in 2006.
To promote their next album the band made their second appearance at the Reading and Leeds Festivals, performing on the Radio One Stage and introduced Max Hart who would be providing guitar and keyboards at live shows, in preparation for a UK tour in November. Days before this tour was scheduled to begin, drummer Michael Tapper unexpectedly quit the band meaning Gary Powell and Adam Aaronson had to step in.
'Brain Thrust Mastery' went on to be their highest charting UK album, peaking at #11 helped by support from Radio 1 DJs at the time Jo Whiley and Edith Bowman. The next album 'Barbara' was a commercial miss after WAS split from EMI Records and released this LP on PIAS Recordings. It fell outside the UK top 40 due to poor promotion although critical response for this album was overall positive. The 2014 album 'TV en Français' re-entered the top 40 at #36 and #5 on the Indie Charts. The band took to the road in September to promote its release with Surfer Blood, releasing an exclusive joint vinyl which featured new song 'Distillery'. In April 2018, the band released their seventh studio album "Megaplex," featuring singles 'No Wait at Five Leaves' and 'Heart is a Weapon.'
Crystal Fighters are a great example of why someone should go see a band live. On their albums the music is great; it's catchy, uplifting and containing some serious summer vibes. But it was when I saw them live that I was blown away; they take everything that works when you're listening at home but enhanced to create more of an experience than simply a live rendition of their music.
The things which strikes me most about Crystal Fighters is how dance-able their music is. The first song I heard was their biggest song, 'You and I', a great folk-influenced track that immediately brings images of beaches, sun shining and possibly a drink or two. It serves a good indicator to the type of music that Crystal Fighters is all about, dance music but done differently to the mainstream of EDM or dubstep. It sounds more organic, more natural, more fun somehow. It looks like they might be heading towards a more dance orientated sound with the release of 'Love Alright' their new single released this year. Recorded during their Cave Rave recording sessions it builds upon the electronica elements from the previous 2 albums creating a proverbial 'tune'. Anyway, I saw them when they played Bestival last year. I'll admit that a festival venue is perfect for them. Outdoors, a but of mud, warm and a bit drunk; it feels like their music. Musically, it takes a step up in intensity and vibrations (if that makes sense) as they beat and bass elements are louder and heavier to help facilitate the rave sensation. It means that that great folk and synth sound from the albums is made all the larger for the occasion and its fantastic. It isn't just the music though; the set design was pretty cool with a simple brightly coloured cartoon backdrop lit by a variety of multi-coloured lights complemented the music on offer but the best part was the band themselves. Frequently, they dress up in all assortments of clothing, usually wild and a bit mental, just look at the Glastobury 2014 performance where the lead singer Sebastian Pringle wore a full headdress for the entirety of the performance.
Really though my words cannot really do them justice. They are the perfect band for when you've had a few and want a dance but perhaps you want something a little bit different to the current mainstream dance music genre. Plus they are really cool.
We Are Scientists hail from California, although spend most of their days in Brooklyn, NY.
Their unique brand of post punk and energetic indie rock translates well in a live setting. It makes for a very fun show, a lot of dancing, whatever the setting. Mostly, they play the hits. But change the setlist around every night to make it interesting for us, and for them!
They have played larger shows in Arenas supporting bands such as Muse where they get a chance to bounce around the stage even more, acting like kids placed in a sweet shop! They obviously love doing what they do. Don't worry though, across North America and Europe they are often found playing a variety of venues including very small clubs ranging to larger venues.
Another treat for fans is that We Are Scientists often make the effort to play places that other bands may miss, meaning you often won't have to travel hours to catch them live. One of the most brilliant aspects of a We Are Scientists live show isn't their energetic, guitar driven, danceable music, but their comedy. Yes, comedy.
They are renowned for being a great laugh when on stage, interacting with crowd members, sharing funny stories or generally just joking around! This comes naturally to them and isn't rehearsed, although they do come up with their own music videos and have even had a small series of shorts aired on MTV ('Steve wants his money'). All of this can make a We Are Scientists show a night to be remembered.
Emocionante, grandes músicos y una voz espectacular y muy especial de Leiva .Toca el corazón , son canciones que haces tuya porque las sientes y que realmente tienen algo , no son canciones vacías
Although Love Of Lesbian were formed way back in 1997, they never really got any mainstream recognition until 2009 – that is what you call dedication! A Spanish Indie pop band, who have an unusual sound in comparison to the indie pop groups that you find in the UK/US, Love Of Lesbian are a delight to listen to. I'm not quite sure where their name originated from exactly, but I'm sure there's an intriguing story behind that as well. The band were at their peak of popularity in 2012, having a number one album, a top three single and being nominated for the Best Spanish Act in the MTV Europe Music Award.
Love Of Lesbian performed at the popular Dcode Festival in 2013, where they played to an audience of thousands. They opened with their biggest single 'Fantastic Shine', a number that seems to be quite emotional with only the piano, synths and drums featuring consistently, but their audience still showed their support by clapping through the verse. Lead singer Santi Balmes is very good and clearly passionate, often reaching out his hands and closing his eyes whilst singing. The song ended very dramatically with strobe lighting and psychedelic guitars in the background, something which I love to hear.
Other highlights of mine included 'El Hambre Invisible' which got the audience prancing up and down due to its upbeat rhythm and funky synth sound and also the song 'Segundo Asalto' featuring Zaragoza based artist Amaral. Balmes and Amaral were certainly brilliant to hear and watch together. Despite me not being able to understand the lyrics, I more than appreciated the rhythm, instrumentals and the raw passion that Love Of Lesbian have.