Change isn’t always good, but The Temper Trap’s new self-titled release is a change for the better. I’m not saying their previous release Conditions was something to be disappointed at, but keeping things fresh and new is something I like to see in the music industry. Their new self-titled release The Temper Trap isn’t a continuation of their last album like you would expect given the examples set by many others in music. The new stuff is a tasteful change from the passed, but still includes a classy amount of The Temper Trap’s identifying sound the world knows from Conditions hit song “Sweet Disposition.”

A good amount has changed since Conditions. A few awards have been won, touring, and of course the new self-titled album has been released. I like where The Temper Trap is going in their career. The new album shows me they’re not afraid to explore the depth and beauty of their creativity as put into this new album.

When I first listened to the first few minutes of the new album I wouldn’t have guessed that this was The Temper Trap. The music was good, but I couldn’t identify what I heard in their first major release Conditions. I was stunned for a second because a lot of bands these days stay with their initial tone and go with it throughout their career. I was extremely happy to see this deviation from the norm and am excited to see where The Temper Trap will go in their career if they keep changing it up like this. I couldn’t help but draw similarities to the musical change ups of Coldplay and John Mayer from where they first started in making music and the places it has lead them in their career.

The Temper Trap is a sweet sounding, whole hearted album that kept the ambient vocals and long echoes of Dougy Mandagi in tact for just a touch of what we heard in Conditions. After all, that’s one of the identifying factors of The Temper Trap, and to keep that in their new material was a very wise idea in my opinion.

Tracks like “Where Do We Go From Here” add a new angle on The Temper Trap’s sound. There’s a bit of funk mixed with their classic sound creating a artsy and upbeat tune that was rather attractive. Other songs were slower and less glamorous, but that’s to be expected with music; every listener isn’t going to like every song.

Some songs include an electronic touch like in “Never Again,” which I think goes okay with The Temper Trap’s feel, but seemed a bit awkward at times (to me at least). Nonetheless I still like the experimentation with different styles that The Temper Trap explores.

“Trembling Hands” and “The Sea is Calling” were another two that caught my attention from the get go. Their calm intros lead into soothing and rolling verses serenading me into relaxation. “The Sea is Calling” starts off with Dougy’s dreamy voice and the warm clean tones of the lead guitars reflecting The Temper Trap’s controlled and fascinating idea of their sound. This song is something of an extension of Conditions, but with a touch of their new ideas. I really liked “The Sea is Calling” and can’t wait to hear the whole album live.

If all goes well, illuminoise will be attending The Temper Trap’s performance at Sound Town music festival in Somerset, WI in late July. Stay tuned for a live review and some photos! Click for info.

The Temper Trap – The Temper Trap      3.5/5 stars      Favorite Track: The Sea is Calling

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