REVIEW: The Temper Trap, Melbourne, The Forum, 29th May 2012

30 May 2012

Melbourne born and bred, The Temper Trap were back in town last night to let their self-titled sophomore album let rip live. Backed by a number 1 position in the ARIA chart and the experience of many years on the road, the audience at the Forum were delivered an intense and absorbing set.

PHOTO GALLERY: Check out all the incredible pics from the gig right here!!

Sounding like a cross between an accessible Radiohead with hints of U2, the 5 piece launched into the set with 'London's Burning', written around the time of the riots that hit the UK last year.

The band seemed genuinely chuffed to be back in Melbourne, and frontman Dougy Mandagi was quick to acknowledge the local crowd before unleashing first single 'Need Your Love', which sounded far more impressive live thanks to the help of several base drums.

WATCH The Temper Trap's live performance of 'FADER' here!!

Without doubt the crowd favourites were mostly tracks from their debut album 'Conditions'. 'Love Lost', 'Fader' and 'Science Of Fear' proved to be travelling just as well as they did 3 years ago. But that's not to say that the songs from the new album weren't impressive. The delicate 'Miracle' inspired by a recording of a unborn baby's heartbeat, the second single 'Trembling Hands' and 'Rabbit Hole' delves into the bands darker and intricate side. Although they might not prove to be commercially accessible in the long run, they well received by the music savvy Melbourne crowd.

Without wanting to take away from other talented members of the band, Dougy Mandagi's voice is mind-blowingly good. Thanks to reality TV show 'The Voice', we're been told on a regular basis that contestants have inherited a 'gift' when concerning their voice...some of which I question! But there's no doubt that Mr Mandagi has something special, and he did not miss a beat in a pitch perfect performance last night.

It will be interesting to see how the second Temper Trap album fairs, but even if you're not a huge fan I'd highly recommend checking out the Melbourne lads live...before they head off to the UK again and never return!


Review: Kate Yencken - Take 40 team
Photos: Kate Wehl