In Action cover

In Action

We Are Scientists · 2003

17 min · 6 tracks · indie rock

A punchy blend of infectious melodies and witty lyrics wrapped in a dynamic indie rock sound.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Selective Memory Start here — This track showcases the band's knack for catchy hooks and clever lyricism, encapsulating their playful approach to songwriting.
  • →
    Coming Clean — With its energetic instrumentation and relatable themes of honesty, this song exemplifies the EP's overall vibe and sets the tone for their future work.
  • →
    Bomb Inside the Bomb — This track reflects the band's ability to combine humor with sharp commentary, making it a standout example of their lyrical wit.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

49 /100
Foothills
Higher than 22% of albums we've rated

The EP showcases strong melodies and witty lyrics, establishing We Are Scientists' sound within the indie rock scene.

What we noticed

  • The first track opens with a driving guitar riff that sets a high-energy tone, which is maintained through the first three songs before a slight dip in tempo.
  • The EP concludes with 'Bomb Inside the Bomb', which incorporates a more complex arrangement and layered instrumentation, creating a dynamic finish.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • quick bursts of energy
  • for sing-alongs
  • witty lyrics and catchy riffs
  • great for short commutes

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer lengthy, immersive albums
  • seek deep emotional narratives

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — This EP helped establish the band's reputation in the indie rock scene.
Themes
early 2000s indie· witty lyricism· playful honesty
Career context
In Action marked We Are Scientists' debut EP, released shortly after their formation in 2000. At this point, the band was beginning to carve out a niche within the burgeoning indie rock scene of the early 2000s, preparing for their first full-length album and establishing their signature sound.
Stylistic neighbors
The Wombats· OK Go· Foster the People

Tracklist

  • 1 Selective Memory Start here 2:27
  • 2 Coming Clean 3:02
  • 3 That One Pop Gem 3:25
  • 4 Riffmaster B 3:32
  • 5 Secret Handshake 2:13
  • 6 Bomb Inside the Bomb 3:01

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata