We Are Scientists @ Barrowlands

Big stages can swallow up little bands. If there's only three people on stage and the sound is based upon close-packed dancing, there's no way a band can transfer the impact of small shows into a larger setting. We Are Scientists are a brilliantly funky band with tunes that, although a little silly, are bound to ignite the blue touch paper at any disco. But on this massive stage, they fall a little flat. Perhaps at some tiny venue, like a Shitdisco party, they'd be absolutely amazing but stripped of any connection with the band, it's hard to be completely swayed by their performance. It's bizarre that great bands, through success, can so completely strip themselves of the live appeal they won people over with in the first place. Still, maybe I'm being churlish, but I saw them first and loved them damn you! [Rosie Capona]