New Music From The Temper Trap
How often can you say you like an Australian band? Not enough.
The Temper Trap is the hot new "crocodile rock" from down under. I think the band that last got that title was Men At Work some 25 years ago, but who doesn't love a good stereotype? Formed three years ago in Melbourne, The Temper Trap have become the hot new hope of their hometown – possibly a chance for them to get "Beyond Thunderdome" (someone please stop me).
Indonesian born singer Dougi Mandagi has a voice that could melt NASA grade titanium. Part Jimmy Somerville (Bronski Beat) and part David MacAlmont (MacAlmont and Butler), "Sweet Disposition" is one of those songs a band writes to appeal to everyone. When I say “everyone” I mean “everyone in Coldplay standards.” Lorenzo Sillitto's delayed guitar flourishes may take you to, "Where the streets have no name," but the driving rhythm section provided by Toby Dundas (drums) and Johnny Ahere (bass) recalls the heart crushing tribal stomp of Welsh group The Alarm. I know, not too much of a deviation in sound, but when compared to U2, The Alarm had "anthem" quality song-writing in the bag.
The Temper Trap represents a fine line of great Aussie bands (The Triffids, Powderfinger) that will most likely never break through in the US. But don't think their hard work won't pay off. "Sweet Disposition" will most likely be a happy little discovery your very hip teenage son will discover on your hard drive fifteen years from now. Look for a debut album produced by Jim Abbiss (Arctic Monkeys, Bjork, Placebo), and a short tour of the US to happen in early 2009.
Posted by Joe Roth on Nov 19, 2008 @ 7:00 am