Helter Seltzer

Perhaps known as much for their self-deprecating snark as their songs, Keith Murray and Chris Cain come of age in a big way on this evergreen, appropriately effervescent fifth record. Not that the maturation on *Helter Seltzer* translates to super-seriousness. Brimming with FM-inflected riff workouts (“Classic Love”, “In My Head”), harmony-laden prog showstoppers (“Waiting For You”) and propulsive earworms (“Buckle”), there’s an infectious glee to its plentiful high points. And the majestic purring guitars on “Headlights” are the sound of a band still able to innovate, a decade after their debut.

Fifth studio album by We Are Scientists.

New York duo plump for jackhammer pop with the help of Katy Perry’s producer Max Hart

Having grown from a frenetic neo-new wave indie rock outfit to a surprisingly reliable '80s-influenced pop duo, We Are Scientists' Keith Murray and Chris Cain deliver one of their most sonically accomplished and melodically infectious albums to date with 2016's Helter Seltzer.

You’ve heard it before: indie band makes waves with intoxicating studio debut, and lives forever in its shadow.