We Are Scientists - Tramlines 2012 review

'The indifference they face today isn't justified'

Chris Swindells - 22 July 2012

Nearly half an hour late on stage, We Are Scientists walk on to no great reception or entrance, head down they roll straight into 'Nice Guys'. These nice guys were doubts for Tramlines, having cancelled four shows in the past week due to Keith Murray complaining of 'vocal issues'.

If Keith hides his vocal woes well at first it begins to become more obvious he's struggling for the second half of the set, his voice not making all the notes under the strain. With his voice quieter than usual, it falls to hits like 'Rules Don't Stop' to encourage a bit of help from the full Devonshire Green crowd, and there seems to be plenty of FIFA fans here to get into good voice for that one.

Then an area of the crowd opens and a fight breaks out, a sour note to end an otherwise harmonious weekend. "There's one more nappy left and they're fighting over it!" bassist Chris Cain comments, making light of it as security eventually show up but not before punches have been thrown.

'Nobody Move Nobody Get Hurt' and 'Impatience' are two highlights as the set trots along, punctuated with the typical jocular crowd interaction, which doesn't really translate well with the Sheffield crowd. On the hit for wit scale, We Are Scientists will always fall short, but the indifference they face today isn't justified and with Murray's vocals as they are, they struggle to battle the rising apathy.

Closing with 'The Great Escape' and 'After Hours', the two final tunes prove a sweet end to the set, the main stage line-up and the festival itself, as only a few venues will be staying open for further free escapades into the after hours.

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