The Temper Trap - The Temper Trap
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Metascore

Mixed or average reviews - based on 14 Critics What's this?

User Score

Generally favorable reviews- based on 19 Ratings

  • Summary: The second full-length album from the Australian indie rock band was produced by Tony Hoffer.
  • Record Label: Columbia
  • Genre(s): Pop/Rock, Adult Alternative Pop/Rock, Alternative/Indie Rock, Alternative Pop/Rock
  • More Details and Credits »
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 14
  2. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. Jun 4, 2012
    80
    A sophisticated, epic, slow burn of an album, The Temper Trap finds the band taking the creative long view, and updating its bombastic guitar rock with a moody, somewhat synth-oriented sound.
  2. Jun 8, 2012
    60
    So this is the real Temper Trap: less fuzz, more grit.
  3. Jun 22, 2012
    60
    The Temper Trap are touched by the brilliance of Dougy Mandagi, a vocalist with a set of pipes so extraordinary he could emote a Twitter feed. [Jun 2012, p.112]
  4. 50
    The Temper Trap establishes a willingness to experiment on the new album, but the band doesn't produce anything as accessible as "Sweet Disposition" or "Fader", the two biggest singles from Conditions

See all 14 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 7
  2. Negative: 1 out of 7
  1. 9
    First of all, this album is better than Conditions. I doubt anyone will agree with me on that but thats what I think. Its adventurous, bold, and it builds on the bands sound. They still keep the smooth, sweeping vocals of Sweet Disposition, and then add a little synth and grandeur. Dougy's vocals are amazing on here and more impressive then his vocals on Conditions. Some songs though can lose their magic and become a bit boring, such as This isn't Happiness and Never Again. The songs pack more up front and in-your-face emotion especially on tracks like Trembling Hands, The Sea Is Calling and Need Your Love. Altogether its grander, more emotional and far more impressive than their debut. A wonderful step up for the band. Expand
  2. 8
    It's difficult to NOT compare albums.. Especially when you're comparing T.T's new release to Conditions, one of my fav albums in the last 5 years. ANd if you're expecting another Conditions, then you'll want to look elsewhere, because it simply isn't. What it is however, is Dougie showcasing his lyrical and technical ability.. brilliantly. It is a slow-burn, and may take a few listens to become accustomed to. But its brilliant, and very 'temper trap'. Seeing it live is especially wonderful, due to the fact that this band shines in it's live show. Buy it today. Expand
  3. Aussie indie rockers The Temper Trap will forever be known for their song Sweet Disposition. It was the track that should never have crossed over to a mainstream audience, but through its strategic placement in the dramatic moments of popular international television shows such as Skins, One Tree Hill, and 90210, and the film (500) Days Of Summer, it ended up becoming a powerful driving force behind promoting the band Expand
  4. Quite a disappointment. The album does start to pick up midway, but the main issue I have is that the Temper Trap do not play to their strengths, aka using their singer to his full ability. He's too restrained here, and a band like this whose sound honestly is a bit derivative, needs to take advantage of anything that sets it apart. There are way less melodic hooks, nothing near as strong as "soldier on" and "love lost." With so many other good releases now (Liars, Future of the Left, Japandroids), this will be forgotten. Expand

See all 7 User Reviews