Live Review

The Temper Trap – ABC, Glasgow

• 16th May 2012

Usually what happens is a band releases an album, then a few weeks later a tour emerges so the fans can hear the new material for themselves – not with The Temper Trap.

Their recent gig at O2 ABC in Glasgow served as a teaser for their new ‘nameless’ album which is set be released in the UK on May 21st .

Opening with ‘Need Your Love’, the first single released from said album, could have been a risky choice as it is still a relatively unknown track (even among fans as a few confused ‘what’s this song?’ faces could be seen in the audience) but the heavy drum beats and dominating synth chords provided an energetic atmosphere to kickstart the night.

Barely a moment later there was rapturous applause as soon as the keyboard intro to the much-loved ‘Love Lost’ began – not unnoticed by singer Dougy who couldn’t contain his smile at the excited fans.

‘Trembling Hands’, the next single to be released, was also met with a great reception. This song in particular marks a darker, deeper, more profound era for the Aussie’s. There is a matureness to the song-writing, the melodies and the emotions that when you listen to it you can understand why these guys were selected to support Coldplay.

‘Rabbit Hole’, also from the new unnamed album, is a slow build-up tune that leads the listener to a moment of pure understanding of what the song and the band are all about. It wouldn’t be surprising if it never gets released and remains for all time as one of those album gems.

The ABC enjoyed a harder sound with ‘Science of Fear’ and ‘Resurrection’, but it was trademark tune ‘Sweet Disposition’ that heralded the biggest cheers.

The most notable disappointment of the night was the omission of ‘Fader’, the third single released from 2009 album Conditions, as it exudes something that other Temper Trap songs don’t due to its distinct guitar riffs and solos.

But the band’s power doesn’t come from saturated guitar parts. It comes from Dougy’s voice who controls every note (including the high ones) perfectly, it comes from actually working together and knowing when less is more, giving a seemingly minimalistic set and band-arrangement the power to shake the room.