Careers In Science

Whateverwolf is the sound of second generation post-hardcore, filled with equal doses of aggression, snark and videogame references ("Konami Code of Conduct"). Careers in Science describe their sound as Black Flag by way of Devo, which isn't entirely inaccurate, but songs like "Hardcore Nice Guy" peddle through with the gruffness of later-era melodic hardcore. "Elizabeth Brown" keeps the range of influences going, mixing its bass-heavy, cymbal riding backbone with an undeniably '90s aesthetic. As diverse as this record is, it's far from scattershot; it transposes sounds of scenes past for the irony era, lacing each track with enough sarcasm and panache to make even the most unforgiving chunks of aggression deserving of a smirk. Careers in Science sound sure of themselves and that confidence takes Whateverwolf to the next level. The album is a cohesive blend of seemingly every punk sub-scene of the past 25 years compacted and delivered for a new generation of inspired cynics. - Exclaim!

Toronto band Careers in Science don’t quite fit into the angsty, anarchic niche that punk bands have carved for themselves (and into their arms). In fact, they have taken the joy in Joy Division and gone beyond the dark somberness of DIY punk band depression to create a revelry of virtuosic guitar playing, energetic drumming and pure, uncorrupted rock n roll ideologies. While drawing inspiration from band like Black Flag, Fugazi, Big Black and Minor Threat, all members of the band are unapologetic Devo fans (drummer Eric Borque even sports a Mark Mothersbaugh tattoo). Their shows are lively, devoid of unnecessary banter and a celebration of youth, power and rock n roll. - The Vinyl District

Careers in Science open up this seven-track release with their national anthem, handily titled “Careers in Science National Anthem”, in which they nail their (rocking) colours firmly to the mast. I quite like the idea of bands taking this approach, whereby the opening track is almost giving an identity to the artist. Mind you, Careers in Science raise their flag, but it’s one of many colours, in line with the variety of what they offer in terms of music. Lyrically, their anthem begins, “We’re not here to save rock and roll / We’re here to save Tokyo / From the 70-foot monsters outside the show,” which also indicates that there is a huge amount of levity within what they do rather than taking themselves too seriously.

From start to finish, CiS manage to throw curveballs into most songs, as none are what could be termed conventional: one second you know which way they’re going, the next the tempo and direction has altered enough to make you notice easily, but not so that it jars in any unnecessary way.

In terms of genres, CiS straddle the worlds of punk, rock and indie on this, their debut release, and manage to produce a couple of gems to show that they’re more than capable of not limiting themselves to one particularly firm sound. In that way they remind me a bit of 48 Thrills, who can rock in any which way they want, requiring no pomp or circumstance.

The guitar is clearly at the forefront of what is produced, along with the excellent vocals of Dave Proctor, and to me these two elements are the key to making Whateverwolf stand out so much. There is a massive element of fun to the songs here, but without the use of any gimmicks (other than the occasional amusing lyrics of course), ensuring that interest never wanes.

CiS power through the first six tracks in short order before allowing themselves the luxury of a bit more time to perform “Patchwork Children”, a song that has a massive, anthemic feel to it, coming across at times with an almost “Rockin' in the Free World” vibe.

On the basis of this one release, I’m happy to wear my heart on my sleeve and say that Careers in Science is a joy to listen to and really should knuckle down to writing, recording and releasing a full album. - Punknews.org