The Temper Trap - Conditions

[soupaman]

Anyone else a fan of these guys?

Got the album today, I've already seen them twice. Quality album, only one average song on it in Fools.

 

[superfraser]

I got the album a couple of nights ago.

Probably given it 5 listens and am still undecided on it.

Have found some good songs, but think i might find the voice annoying after a while.

 

[Gridlock'd]

I love that Sweet Disposition song.

 

[soupaman]

I wrote a review of sorts.

The Temper Trap - Conditions

The Temper Trap, a local Melbourne band, released their first album on Friday; "Conditions". They have been likened to Radiohead and TV on the Radio, and have described themselves as "High Energy Sissy Rock", which both describes them well yet doesn't do them justice.

I've been a fan of theirs for a while since seeing them as the support act for Franz Ferdinand in January at the Palace, and being the first support act I've seen where I've been genuinely dissapointed to see them leave the stage, despite never having heard of them previously.

I've since seen them another time at the Corner Hotel, and can safely say they are fantastic live. Here is a run down of their debut album.

Love Lost: A song that builds up well (their speciality). I'm not sure it should be the opening track though. It's a good song though, and the bar of silence just prior to the bridge/last chorus sounds great, especially live.

Rest: This song isn't that great on the album, but live is a really high energy song that they opened with both times I saw them. Live they tend to play around with the main riff alot before the vocals even come in, while in this version it centres around the vocals.

Sweet Disposition: Their first single, you may have heard it on Triple J or some of the commercial stations (Nova, Fox maybe). I'm not sure if Triple M have caught on yet. It has a U2ish riff, and shows off Doug's great voice. Another one that builds up well.

Down River: One of my favourites on the album. Has a great chorus, and sounds great live.

Soldier On: Is a real slow builder, with the first 2/3rds of this song being pretty low key. The ending kicks up a bit, and is good without being great. One of the weaker songs on the album for mine, which is saying something cause its pretty good.

Fader: Probably the most obviously commercial song on the album, and their third single. Catchy chorus, but for me it's almost a bit boring. It's not really a song that builds up or gets better the more you listen to it. I can see it being popular though. Probably my second least favourite.

Fools: My least favourite song on the album, but it is growing on me. A bit quieter than a lot of the other songs on the album.

Resurrection: For me this is the best song on the album. Sounds pretty unique, his voice sounds great, and really builds up to a fantastic finish. I love everything about this song, and with its ending it definitely qualifies as a song that is a highlight live.

Science of Fear: Their second single, has great lyrics, builds up well and has a great pace. Fantastic live, and is only just behind Ressurection as the albums best song.

Drum Song: Rather unimaginatively named, this is an instrumental song that is awesome live, but only solid on the album.

The album got 5 stars in the Herald Sun two sundays ago, and there are big wraps on this band with the BBC putting them in their top 15 bands of 2009, and them having relocated to England for the Australian winter so they can tour Europe constantly.

They're a band that really out performs their album live, and in my opinion could become pretty big. A highly recommend this album.

 

[La Dispute]

Love this album

Second best Aussie release this year so far (To Karnivool).

If you like Arcade Fire or TV On The Radio it is a great idea giving this album a listen, it won't disappoint.

 

[sog35]

Played a very solid set at Glastonbury. Will be looking forward to seeing them at Beatday (Copenhagen) in August.

 

[Johnson#26]

Sweet Disposition is AWESOME.

 

[deledio7]

Listening to it now. I don't think there is a weak song on the album. "Rest" and "Soldier On" my favourite songs. Probably the best album of 09, not alot to get excited about this year IMO.

 

[mansize rooster]

Sweet Disposition has put me off

sounding like U2 is original

*yawn*

 

[The_Flying_Egg]

I wrote a review of sorts.
I've been a fan of theirs for a while since seeing them as the support act for Franz Ferdinand in January at the Palace, and being the first support act I've seen where I've been genuinely dissapointed to see them leave the stage, despite never having heard of them previously.

I had the exact same situation. One of the best supporting slots I've seen, and I had no idea who they were

Soldier On: Is a real slow builder, with the first 2/3rds of this song being pretty low key. The ending kicks up a bit, and is good without being great. One of the weaker songs on the album for mine, which is saying something cause its pretty good.

I love Soldier On, its probably my favourite song on the album. I have an argument with my friends about it, I love it, they skip it

 

[La Dispute]

Sweet Disposition has put me off

sounding like U2 is original

*yawn*

Only the guitar sounds like U2.

I'd give the album a spin.

 

[P.A.F.C]

U2 created the guitar riff with reverb.

FACT

 

[soupaman]

For those interested they have just announced headline shows at the Enmore theatre on Jan 8th and at the Forum on the 12th. Supported by the Boxer Rebellion.

 

[treefingers]

is it all ages or over 18?

 

[soupaman]

The Forum is over 18, dunno about the Enmore theatre. So if you're underage you will be missing out unless you catch them at the Big Day Out or one of the other numerous festivals they are playing (which are mostly over age anyway).

 

[Knife Wrench]

Great album... that is all.

 

[stormee]

Can someone explain to me why this never got feature album on Triple J? I don't get how this can be behind stuff like Lisa Mitchell in feature album priority. It's a really good Aus rock/indie sort of album and yet it registers very little airplay and doesnt even warrant a feature album?

Sometimes I seriously wonder who chooses the feature albums, my suspicion would be Kingsmill, and why does he have such a serious bias against some bands such as the Temper Trap? I've been wondering this for a while but saw the thread back on the front page and decided to have a rant. That is all.

 

[crownie]

For those interested they have just announced headline shows at the Enmore theatre on Jan 8th and at the Forum on the 12th. Supported by the Boxer Rebellion.

brilliant band. high energy and loud.

hopefully can get a ticket.

 

[soupaman]

brilliant band. high energy and loud.

Yeah. Downloaded their single "Evacuate" when it was free on iTunes and is a really good song. Also managed to get their album off a mate and they are good, and pretty similiar to the Temper Trap. Should be a good night.

 

[Damon_3388]

Can someone explain to me why this never got feature album on Triple J? I don't get how this can be behind stuff like Lisa Mitchell in feature album priority. It's a really good Aus rock/indie sort of album and yet it registers very little airplay and doesnt even warrant a feature album?

Sometimes I seriously wonder who chooses the feature albums, my suspicion would be Kingsmill, and why does he have such a serious bias against some bands such as the Temper Trap? I've been wondering this for a while but saw the thread back on the front page and decided to have a rant. That is all.

I don't get much of a chance to listen to Triple J (or any radio for that matter) much these days, but I'm suprised to hear that they aren't getting flogged to death on that station. Seems like the type of band that they'd push to the hilt, especially as their initial success was in the UK, you'd think Triple J would want to give them more exposure to the Australian audience. Definitely one of the better bands in Australia right now IMO.

 

[sonson]

Soldier On is probably the best song I've heard live, in the last decade.

A fine illustration of a man and his guitar at the peak of their powers.

Probably the best Australian Album of 2009.