Scientists Of Modern Music

Not since 1984 has one band incorporated such an intense amount of synthesised sounds into a set list. The Scientists of Modern Music derive most of their sounds from a peculiarly complimentary mix of Prodigy and Eurythmics with extreme overtones of newer Daft Punk, even sampling the popular Street Party anthem ‘Robot Rock’ in one of their high-powered tracks. If one thing can be gathered from the Scientists of Modern Music, it is that of the knowledge that true musicianship and instrumental skill has one foot in the grave with the other foot being forced by the digital music craze. Scarcely did band members Cal and Simon play a single note on their multitude of over-priced Korg keyboards and synthesizers, but instead chose to rely on cheesy gimmicks like opposing black and white outfits and showing off some distinctly Wiggles-esque dance moves which seemed to excite some small group of the band's loyal entourage in the front row, clearly identified by the mouthing of the heavily modulated vocals and awkward dance moves that vaguely correlated to the beats and breaks of the music.

Luckily for this band, live performances are not the only time the public are exposed to a band, and to be fair, Cal and Simon make a catchy tune. To suggest that songs such as ‘Easy’ from the E.P ‘Electronic Sunset’ could be the next hit in the local music scene doesn’t seem too far-fetched a concept. While the music is nothing new in a rapidly expanding market of electro-pop music, it fits the niche well, incorporating catchy hooks with beats that leave even the most scathing of critics tapping their foot. Being able to pinpoint a direct influence on TSOMMis difficult, which is probably a good thing in this industry of poseurs and plagiarists of sound. Having a somewhat familiar sound with twists that freshen up what is rapidly becoming stagnant makes for a fascinating listening experience. The sound is well balanced and interesting, while keeping loyal to its genre, ensuring listeners get what they pay for.

All in all, The Scientists of Modern Musicare a run of the mill group with that little something extra, producing songs that intrigue and capture its listeners, if only for a moment. It would be good to see the boys play their instruments a little more, but if you close your eyes and absorb the music, you can appreciate all the long hours they put into programming their synthesizers before the show. If by some chance the pair from Tasmania decided the music industry was not for them, at least they have a promising career in Hi-5.

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