Labels: Idlewild Records
Review by: Joe Callaghan
Yes! Science! This is They Might Be Giants’ third “Educational” album for kids and grown ups alike. Quite a Marmite concept I imagine, but what’s not to like? Flawlessly crafted pop ditties about Science? I fucking love learning! It follows the same theme as the ABC/123 albums, in that it just shouldn’t work on a universal level, but it really does. Sandwiched in between the basics is the instantly recognisable wit and charm that they’ve never lost, and whilst it could never compare to the first three records, it’s hugely refreshing to see a band, whose career is about to enter its 4th decade of existence, doing something completely out of the ordinary and not going off the boil in an attempt to rehash old times. Linnel and Flansburgh are still the pioneers of the “comedy” end of the indie rock spectrum, and whilst I would usually painfully detest anything with that sort of branding, They Might Be Giants have consistently portrayed it so organically. This record is certainly no different. The basics are there for a younger audience to absorb, and the clever, brazen, inventive wit is apparent throughout, to make this an enjoyable record for anyone, making it not very different from any previous They Might Be Giants record. As the record really kicks in, its very easy to forget this has any sort of theme to it, a lot more so than the ABC/123 records, as the topic being covered is much broader, and often only being touched upon between their usual acerbic, tongue-in-cheek styling’s. It ticks all the right boxes; short snappy songs and sublime melodies all very cleverly crafted, with equal measures of wit and knowledge to make this a thoroughly entertaining record. Each song also has an animated cartoon to support it, which is certainly more focused towards the younger audience, but is an example of They Might Be Giants as a refreshing innovative outlet, rendering Here Comes Science as more than just a collection of songs. It’s difficult to convey the fact that this really isn’t just some overly patronising Playdays type guff. It is just a clever indie rock record with massive pop hooks that will certainly please long time adherents of the band, but is most definitely not an ideal starting point, unless you’re a toddler, and you want to do some serious fucking learning, then get stuck in! Guaranteed to put a smile on your face, unless you hate fun and good times, then this record is not for you. Judas.