You may not recognise the name Temper Trap but I can guarantee you have heard at least one of their tracks. The uplifting and deja-vu esque 'Sweet Disposition' has been peddled around adverts on various TV channels with a frequency that befits a much bigger band. But that's probably because this particular track sounds like it belongs to a much bigger band, a band that would be a hybrid of U2, Keane and Coldplay, supergroup in fact. Whilst this combination may appall the less mainstream minded among you, I have listened to 'Conditions', the Temper Trap's album, and I have to say they occupy this space quite well. This is partly down to the fact that they haven't had the chance yet to open their mouths and patronise everyone with their opinions on global issues or name their offspring after a fruit and partly because the music does work.
It also helps that Sweet Disposition is not the only plausible track on the album and that vocalist Dougy Mandagi is possessed with quite a substantial talent. His eloquent vocals never really settle in one incarnation which is at the same time exciting and irritating. Taking as an example, Soldier On, which will have you unable to decide whether you are listening to a crooning Thom Yorke or an emotional Chris Martin. Love Lost will lead you firmly down on the side of Coldplay but then Down River will confuse you with its more indie composition and Fools will throw you into complete bafflement that may see you uttering 'but this surely a BeeGees tribute!'
Don't get me wrong, this isn't groundbreaking music but it's listenable. Whilst the unavoidable similarities to big name successful bands will put some off, there's certainly a demand for this kind of big sound, soaring emotional music and Temper Trap are well placed to step into those hemp-crafted shoes.
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