If you took a look at my staff picks this year, you can probably tell that I'm very enthusiastic about this. Headrests for car seats last entry Scientists. For everyone who also enjoyed the academic summer, the gloomy academic atmosphere will continue into the fall with a new performance by KEXP.
The group supported Scientists on a limited US tour this year due to the vocalist Will Toledo's Healthand this new session gives international fans a taste of their live performance.
The set begins with “Lady Gay, Approximately,” a song whose live version builds to a breakneck crescendo that ends in a flourish that matches the album's rock opera nature. They rip off “Catastrophe (Good Luck With That, Man)” before Toledo opens. “Gethsemane” with the first verse of an American traditional folk song “900 miles” To Terry Calliera resonant addition that further contextualizes the song's expansive spiritual journey. “I can’t run anymore,” Toledo intones as the track threatens to overtake us all with its meaty rock hooks and relentless sense of urgency.
They close out the session with a “short song,” the nearly 20-minute “Planet Desperation,” which features lead vocals from guitarist Ethan Ives that shine particularly brightly next to Toledo's vocals.
“It's a balancing act, and I think our goal was that if you put on a record, you don't have to follow the story, you don't have to know that it's there,” Toledo shared with host Cheryl Waters in an interview segment, referencing Scientists extensive plot and cast of characters. “The music has to come first, because I think that’s how we perceive any music in the band.”
The performance is more than just musical accompaniment – it showcases car seat headrests at the peak of their power, all inhibitions melting into the background. Watch the full session below.
