Mehek’s Music Tuesday: The Temper Trap

March 16th, 2010

temper-trap

I have a tendency to re-watch movies and television shows just so I can jot down some lyrics to Google them later…you know, to find THAT song. Yeah, you do it too. Don’t lie!

Anyway, the movie 500 Days of Summer had a subtle moment with these guys playing in the background. It was kind of a high school love moment where I heard them, and HAD to know more about them. And hear more.

You know you wanna learn more about The Temper Trap… c’mon. Click it. That’s right…just after the jump!

The Temper Trap is a four-man band from Australia, a recent hub for all things indie, alternative and gloriously synthpoppy – note Cut Copy and Wolfmother – and they’re pretty darn sweet.

Their claim to fame started like most independent acts: a string of local festivals generated a lot of buzz, allowing their first EP to really catch the attention of industry representatives and producers. The “big break” came in the form of British producer Jim Abbiss, who launched acts like Adele and the Arctic Monkeys.

While working with Abbiss on their debut album, the band developed a reputation internationally. They played a string of shows during the 2009 South by Southwest festival and landed a spot on BBC’s “Sound of 2009”, a list that predicted a bunch of break out artists including Kid Cudi, Lady Gaga, and Florence and the Machine.

The boys signed to Glassnote Records in the United States shortly after, releasing their debut in June 2009. The best way to describe their sound is to call it ambient, but with harder drum and guitar patterns layered in. The influence of Radiohead and U2 in their sound is pretty clear, and lead singer Dougy takes you on a gorgeous trip throughout their debut album, Conditions. Suitable title considering the facets of human experiences they touch on the disc.

Remember those Nestle Ice Tea commercials where the actors would take a sip and immediately fall into a swimming pool?

Yeah. The Temper Trap is that fresh. Though I don’t guarantee that upon listening you’ll fall into chlorified water, so listen with discretion – and not in your swimsuit.

To quench your thirst, I’ve compiled a playlist of a few of their songs … have a sip. Given into the temptation. Then hit me back with some thoughts in the comments or via mehekmusicmonday@gmail.com – DO IT!

Sweet Disposition – Listen Here
Love Lost – Listen Here
Science of Fear – Listen Here
Down River – Listen Here

Tags: 500 Days of Summer, adele, arctic monkeys, Conditions, Cut Copy, Florence and the Machine, Jim Abbiss, Kid Cudi, lady gaga, radiohead, The Temper Trap, U2, Wolfmother