NEWS
EVENTS
The Temper Trap- The Temper Trap
Indie | Wednesday 23rd May 2012 | Osh
The Temper Trap’s second studio album, ‘The Temper Trap’ is the band’s first record as a five-piece with John Greer as a permanent member.
The Indie-rock quartet released their first single from the album on the 23rd of March for streaming; the first song from the new record, ‘Need Your Love.’ The single was officially released on the 7th of May, and rumour has it that ‘Never Again’ and ‘I’m Gonna Wait’ may be future singles.
The Temper Trap are renowned for their stunning festival sound and bright vibe, particularly with their biggest hit to date; the atmospheric ‘Sweet Disposition’. This track gave the Ozzie band a number 6 position in the UK Single’s Chart, and went to platinum in the band’s homeland.
Indie bands are known for being experimental with style and sound, and The Temper Trap is no exception. ‘Need Your Love’ is perfect single material; sunny, dramatic and optimistic. However, vocalist Dougy Mandagi has thrown his unbeatable high-pitched signature style to one side.
With ‘London’s Burning’, the band make an attempt at commenting on last summer’s riots in London and around the country; ‘…Police clash with youths in several cities.’ Its use of light gang vocals and steady guitaring works very well, but it comes across at slightly sluggish and repetitive. But, the input of spoken extracts from news reports from people involved in the riots fit perfectly.
Trembling Hands’, rings a bell the sound of Mika, was released on the 9th of May in Australia, but has yet to be released in the UK. ‘The Sea is Calling’ is a gentle, inoffensive track, with a summery backbone, and ‘Miracle’ propels Mandagi’s high-pitched sound back into the limelight. The harmonies in this song are stunning, and the melodic flair used by the Melbourne band is boundless.
The searing chorus of ‘This Isn’t Happiness’ uses mild synths and rolling drumming to allow the vocals and lyrics to come across stronger, despite their simplicity; ‘Whatever it is, never is the best, this isn’t happiness…’. As bright yet delicate as a Patrick Wolf track, ‘Where Do We Go from Here’, with its retro-synths, ties seamlessly into ‘Never Again’.
Despite suffering from slow-grower syndrome ‘Rabbit Hole’ is powerful yet subtle, following the same pattern as ‘Dreams.’ This continues into ‘I’m Gonna Wait’, which is led by a steady, war-esque drum beat, and a great string section. The Temper Trap’s experimentation ambiance occurs once more for ‘Leaving the Heartbreak Hotel’, proving that the fivesome are making huge efforts to define their sound and pin-point who they want to be as a band.
As a massive leap from The Temper Trap’s debut ‘Conditions’, their second album buzzes with hope of a bright future, plenty more experimentation, and a variety of sounds.
Watch the official video for The Temper Trap’s latest single ‘Need Your Love’
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Vsbc0oR6fE
Marianne Calnan
