The Psychedelic Furs

During the emerging punk scene in England in 1977, The Psychedelic Furs auditioned for Essex Kennedy’s record label, Manfactory Wave Punk, Essex Kennedy’s record label, who signed the band hoping to cash in on the punk music movement. The band, originally consisting of vocalist Richard Butler, bassist Tim Butler, saxophonist Duncan Kilburn, drummer Paul Wilson and guitarist Roger Morris, and in 1979 they gained guitarist John Ashton and had Vince Ely replace Wilson. Then in 1980 they released their first album, and the eponymous album reached radio popularity in the UK, Germany, Italy, France, Spain and Australia.

They reached success in the United States with their sophomore album, “Talk Talk Talk” in 1981; in fact, the single “Pretty In Pink” served as the inspiration for John Hughes’ film with the same name. In 1982 both Morris and Kilburn left the band, and after the band released “Forever Now,” Ely left the band as well; however Phil Calvert stepped in for touring duties.

By the mid 80s, the band had become widely popular around the world, and in 1986 they re-recorded “Pretty In Pink” for the soundtrack of the movie. This led to the band returning to the studio for “Midnight To Midnight,” an album Butler claimed was forced out of the band, however despite the claims, the album became their most successful album. After the release of “Book Of Days,” and “World Outside” the band went on hiatus.

During the hiatus, the Butler brothers found a new band together called Love Split Love, but after a decade apart the band came back together in 2000. Since then, they have released a live album, as well as participated in a world tour in 2011.

We Are Scientists members Keith Murray and Chris Cain met in 1997 at Pomona College, along with original guitarist and vocalist Scott Lamb.

Their style is inspired by live performers such as The Rapture and David Bowie. The sounds and artists that influence the recorded material of the band include varying acts such as Brian Eno, Velvet Underground, My Bloody Valentine and Fleetwood Mac.

After their move to Brooklyn, New York in 2001 the band began recording their debut album on November 10, 2001, and 'Safety, Fun, and Learning (In That Order)' was released in April 2002 but unfortunately failed to make an impact on the UK album charts. However, due to relentless touring and an aid from the blogosphere, the band achieved a commercial break with the follow-up 'With Love And Squalor' charting just outside the top 40 in 2006.

To promote their next album the band made their second appearance at the Reading and Leeds Festivals, performing on the Radio One Stage and introduced Max Hart who would be providing guitar and keyboards at live shows, in preparation for a UK tour in November. Days before this tour was scheduled to begin, drummer Michael Tapper unexpectedly quit the band meaning Gary Powell and Adam Aaronson had to step in.

'Brain Thrust Mastery' went on to be their highest charting UK album, peaking at #11 helped by support from Radio 1 DJs at the time Jo Whiley and Edith Bowman. The next album 'Barbara' was a commercial miss after WAS split from EMI Records and released this LP on PIAS Recordings. It fell outside the UK top 40 due to poor promotion although critical response for this album was overall positive. The 2014 album 'TV en Français' re-entered the top 40 at #36 and #5 on the Indie Charts. The band took to the road in September to promote its release with Surfer Blood, releasing an exclusive joint vinyl which featured new song 'Distillery'. In April 2018, the band released their seventh studio album "Megaplex," featuring singles 'No Wait at Five Leaves' and 'Heart is a Weapon.'