Careers in Science

Whateverwolf (2011)

Rich Cocksedge

Careers in Science open up this seven-track release with their national anthem, handily titled "Careers in Science National Anthem", in which they nail their (rocking) colours firmly to the mast. I quite like the idea of bands taking this approach, whereby the opening track is almost giving an identity to the artist. Mind you, Careers in Science raise their flag, but it's one of many colours, in line with the variety of what they offer in terms of music. Lyrically, their anthem begins, "We're not here to save rock and roll / We're here to save Tokyo / From the 70-foot monsters outside the show," which also indicates that there is a huge amount of levity within what they do rather than taking themselves too seriously.

From start to finish, CiS manage to throw curveballs into most songs, as none are what could be termed conventional: one second you know which way they're going, the next the tempo and direction has altered enough to make you notice easily, but not so that it jars in any unnecessary way.

In terms of genres, CiS straddle the worlds of punk, rock and indie on this, their debut release, and manage to produce a couple of gems to show that they're more than capable of not limiting themselves to one particularly firm sound. In that way they remind me a bit of 48 Thrills, who can rock in any which way they want, requiring no pomp or circumstance.

The guitar is clearly at the forefront of what is produced, along with the excellent vocals of Dave Proctor, and to me these two elements are the key to making Whateverwolf stand out so much. There is a massive element of fun to the songs here, but without the use of any gimmicks (other than the occasional amusing lyrics of course), ensuring that interest never wanes.

CiS power through the first six tracks in short order before allowing themselves the luxury of a bit more time to perform "Patchwork Children", a song that has a massive, anthemic feel to it, coming across at times with an almost "Rockin' in the Free World" vibe.

On the basis of this one release, I'm happy to wear my heart on my sleeve and say that Careers in Science is a joy to listen to and really should knuckle down to writing, recording and releasing a full album.