We Are Scientists’ newest album “Heltzer Seltzer” is their fifth released in the past decade. Their sound has remained relatively consistent, although this album leans significantly more toward the ballad side of the scale.

The first track, “Buckle,” begins the album with a punch of pop, proving that We Are Scientists have not lost their moxy. Catchy and anthemic, this song does a great job setting the tone for the rest of the album.

The next nine tracks feature bubbling choruses that show off lead singer Keith Murray’s soulful vocals. Power ballads such as “Too Late” and “We Need a Word” perfectly marry Murray’s vocals with candid lyrics that prove the duo have more than retained their song-writing capabilities.

“Want for Nothing” was by far my favorite song on “Helter Seltzer.” Its laid-back tone contrasts with lyrics filled to the brim with raw emotion. The song begins with acoustic guitar and slowly builds until it includes the rest of the band. The repeated line “‘I can’t do this alone / So take me home, you’ll want for nothing’” faultlessly delivers the message of the song in a heart-wrenchingly honest style.

Overall, We Are Scientists’ “Helter Seltzer” deserves a solid A-. The album exhibits the band’s best attributes. We Are Scientists have found a way to combine the youthful excitement of their early albums and maturity gained during the past decade while not losing any of their originality. They make it all seem effortless and that itself is a difficult feat. We Are Scientists have certainly impressed me with this album.