By Alisha Domoslai and Lamia Larkin

Lamia Larkin and Alisha Domoslai (also known as Lamisha) had the opportunity last weekend to meet with the indie band We Are Scientists at Costa Mesa’s The Detroit Bar. What resulted was tons of random information on suggested band names, supposed Paul McCartney antics, an AMAZING performance, classic on stage banter, and all the Star Wars you could ever want. Basically it was Lamisha’s indie nerd dream come true!

Describing the guys that make up We Are Scientists to someone who has never seen them isn’t easy to do. Are they humble…perhaps? Funny….definitely! Amazing…of course! But all adjectives aside, these geek-chic rockers; Keith Murray (vocals and lead guitar) and Chris Cain (bass and backing vocals), really are just a two normal guys who transform into rockstars once they hit the stage.

After meeting at Pomona College in Claremont, CA, these unassuming Brooklynites formed the band We Are Scientists back in 2000 and have since released two albums. Striking it big in the U.K. the W.A.S. boys look forward to matching that success in the States as well. We sat down with bassist Chris Cain for a little chat.

We started the conversation with some commonalities that we (Lamisha) and W.A.S. both have. Realizing that just like Chris and Keith, Lamia and Alisha also met in college. With this information, we thought it would be a good idea to start off by getting some post-collegiate advice. We told Chris that we were recent graduates as well as starving OC artists. The first thing Chris points out is that, “it would be a good idea to learn a skill… you know in order to get a job and get money,” basic, honest, and something we told him we would definitely look into. We also mentioned that we were considering following in their footsteps, by forming a band. When asked if he had any suggestions on names for our band, he said “The Golddiggers.” Apparently our idea of “We Are Artists” wasn’t a good one.

The conversation then led to the band’s recent performance at this year’s very hot Coachella Music and Art Festival. When pressed for some juicy backstage gossip, Chris spilled the beans about Paul McCartney’s alleged wild night. He said that “Paul played poker with Morrissey’s men” and then supposedly proceeded to “ride a golf cart into a little pond/lake thing.” He also said that Sir Paul was slightly intoxicated, but that the reason for the golf cart crash was unrelated to that; thanks for clearing that up, Chris.  Lamisha made it a point to mention to Chris that Morrissey did an outfit change during his performance at Coachella, and then proceeded to ask If him or Keith would be doing the same. Sadly do not expect the W.A.S. boys to ever do an outfit change, as Chris pointed out (after he chuckled at our question) “We just don’t care much about those things.” Chris and Keith if you are reading this please do an outfit change during your next performance, it would make us very happy.

Apparently the band W.A.S. have more important things to focus on before they hit the stage. To get into the mood, Chris stated that they like to work out in order to maintain and keep a “healthy heart.” He then proceeded to say that what they really like to do before a show is read by candlelight. Yeah you heard us, candlelight. It should be noted that The Detroit Bar was pretty much only lit by candles. So what do two indie rockers like to read before a show? Well pretty much anything but gossip magazines “because that gets the heart going, and we like to keep it low key.” Do whatever you guys have to in order to put on a good show.

Putting on good shows is nothing new to the band, and because of this, its surprising to see how much more popular W.A.S. are in the UK than they are in the US. We suggested its probably something in the water over there? Chris isn’t too sure what the reason is but chalks it up to the simple fact that it could possibly be that they “just like indie rock better.” Hopefully this article will fuel the States to come to their senses and start listening to what we (Lamisha) already know is an instant classic in indie pop/rock music.

We wrapped up the chat with comments about Orange County. Since they live in Brooklyn and are mainly known in the UK, had they ever performed in Orange County before? Chris said, “I don’t think so, but we might have years ago (before we were signed). But we also went to Pomona College so maybe I’m getting it mixed up with seeing shows in Orange County.” He then adds “We did watch the show (The O.C.).” Lets hope that the overcast and slightly rainy atmosphere didn’t hamper their stay in Orange County.

Whilst waiting for the band’s set, Chris & Keith mixed & mingled with fans at the merch booth as we got our Star Wars fix from the movie projections on the walls of the bar (both The Empire Strikes Back and Return of The Jedi was played). But after LA’s The Blood Arm performed (who are also really good, check out the song Suspicious Character) it was time to get ready for the main event. Our night was certainly made even better when we finally got to see W.A.S. perform on stage. Now their music is fantastic, but what really makes their concerts so perfect is their on stage banter. Anyone who has seen them perform will mention that their chats with each other and the audience is one of the main reasons they are so likable. Just to give you a taste of what we heard in between their 18 glorious songs.

Keith: ”Hey Zane, can you talk to me about Santa Claus and the reality of the situation?”  (Zane is their manager)

Keith:  ”Do you want me to take off this vest because you want to see what’s underneath, or because you hate it? This vest never comes off. I bathe in this vest!” (Keith was sporting a denim vest that matched his jeans perfectly, way to promote the denim on denim look Keith.)

Chris: ”Our rule of thumb with encores, is that we wait until half the room has gone home. Now we have you all to ourselves.”

All of this plus Keith Murray jumped out into the audience (as well as climbed all over the bar) and had people sing parts of the song “Textbook” with him. Lamia was lucky enough to push herself towards Keith and partake in this memorable moment. All in all, we really hope that Chris Cain and Keith Murray of We Are Scientists found Orange County as memorable as we found them to be.