L-R: Keith Murray, vocals & guitar; Chris Cain, bass

We Are Scientists gave an excellent performance at The Blind Pig last night in Ann Arbor.  The crowd was enthusiastic while band members, Chris Cain and Keith Murray, exchanged witty and humorous remarks in between songs.  Current fans of the band were reminded why they love these guys while future fans now know why We Are Scientists is going to be huge.

As is the way, the openers kicked off the night at promptly 9:30pm.  Aaron Pfenning of Rewards blew us away with his gorgeous voice – it’s throaty and mellow and combined with the liberal use of synthesizers, is reminiscent of The Cure.  He was accompanied on stage by Devonté Hynes, the man behind Lightspeed Champion, who followed up with his own set. After spending most of that set trying to figure out words to describe Hynes’s style, I’ve come up with “eclectic”. Sometimes a mix of Seals & Crofts and Lenny Kravitz but smoother, his music was at times soulful, then indie, then ’90s and there is no doubt he knew how to work the room.  Both of these guys are good – really good. They deserve a post unto themselves.

L-R: Rewards; Lightspeed Champion

Top: Chris Cain; Bottom: Keith Murray

By 11:15pm, We Are Scientists took the stage.  In a distinctive switch from their demeanor off stage (based on this interview with SHEI before the show), Keith Murray became extremely outgoing with no hint of timidity.  After a bit of banter, the band opened with “Nice Guys” off of their newest album, Barbara (released June 14).  After hearing a few more songs from their past albums, it was obvious that The Blind Pig is the perfect venue in which to see these guys. The intimacy of the space superbly showcased the repartee between Cain and Murray while thoroughly entertaining their audience.

There were several songs which were clear crowd pleasures, including “Great Escape” and “Nobody Move, Nobody Get Hurt,” as well as new material from Barbara.  But none quite compare to the closing song, “After Hours,” performed just before 12:30am.  Joined onstage by Lightspeed Champion and Rewards, this performance was the best example of why We Are Scientists should be superstars.  They have honest, unmistakable  talent and play with such eager conviction, it’s difficult to remain disconnected to their music.  Murray especially appeared in his element and the crowd clearly enjoyed the high energy the four brought to the stage for the final set.

After an encore of “Cash Cow,” the concert finished.  Well worth the $12 for admission.  While I’d like to complement the guys in saying that they should be playing The Michigan Theater the next time they’re in Ann Arbor, their ability to master the venue that is The Blind Pig has me convinced that more people should get the chance to see them under such circumstances.

Definitely worth a listen so check out their new album and I’ll be looking for their next Ann Arbor/South Eastern Michigan tour date.

Words: B.C.Bodnar, SHEI Literary Editor

Photos: Chelsea Brown, SHEI Photography Editor