We Are Scientists at the Octagon, Sheffield, April 17

When We Are Scientists finished their last tour it ended in a pure moment of madness. Equipped with tuxedos the trio dropped their instruments for a rendition of Boyz II Men's 'End of the Road'. It was a moment that not only proved We Are Scientists as the funniest live act today, but that they are also capable of more than the simple hit machine they had become.

Now fast forward two years and tonight all the humour has been sucked away from the group. Opening with 'Ghouls' there are no dance routines or comedy entrance. Instead the group are dedicated to Brain Thrust Mastery, playing a selection of highlights from the subdued album. The performance should make for a quiet live success but they somehow fail to excite and sound limp on stage. Although a sketch about Yorkshire Puddings livens up the crowd along with the new member's endless enthusiasm, it fails to unearth any in the room. That is until the group gives in to the audience and reverts back to With Love and Squalor. The songs suddenly burst into life as the crowd launch into 'The Great Escape' showing that the band will always excel with a little spontaneous humour.