We Are Scientists - Chain Reaction, Anaheim 15/02/04
show review by julie

A rag tag trio of musicians mounted the stage clad in thrift shop, unmistakably "nerd/stereotypical geek" ensembles. They were the first band to go on stage and the lights were still on when they started up on their set. Definitely not from Orange County, obvious since nothing about them was remotely pop-punk. I have to admit this band won me over before they even played a note, let me take you back a bit…

I was waiting outside of the venue with my friend in the bitter cold temperatures of southern California. We were waiting for one of the bands to turn in the guestlist that we were on so we could get in, but they hadn't arrived yet so we were at the mercy of the harsh climate. While we were standing around I noticed a band sitting on their instrument cases in the parking lot, and risking looking like a total boob I went up to them praying that they were in fact one of the bands I was supposed to interview that evening. Alas they were! They were in fact We Are Scientists. During our chat I happened to say, "you look like nice boys," in which Michael (the drummer) promptly responded "that is just a façade," the liar and cheat. I also inquired as to if they would like a show review at which they shot back, "we would have practiced then."

Ok so moving past my shameless reminiscing…there was a small crowd but I expect that next time they play there will be exponentially more people, although I feel they are under-apreciated in the OC. True to my Orange County roots I usually stand with my arms crossed with the occasional foot tap and when a band is really killer the head nod, but I had never once considered letting loose and full on dancing until W.A.S started in. The fact that Keith (guitar/vocals) was dancing and cutting the rug, and even encouraged the miniscule audience to dance too - met with only blank stares, further provoked my desire.
Sadly to say after my deep and serious contemplation of the notion I did not cut the rug as ol' Keitherton did. I think I have figured out the illusive mix of instrumentals that obviously overtook my brain waves, since normally I would not even regard the notion of dancing; the bass is what pulled me in like a cobra that surrounds it prey and squeezes it until it is crushed, then once I was captive to the bass, the drum tricked my brain into thinking that it was in fact my own heartbeat leading my brain to follow the same pattern as the beat. Finally once I was thinking in time with the music the guitar sealed the deal with a challenge that could not be passed up.