In Brief: Temper Trap’s Pitchfork Effect, Muscles Rocks
News posted Tuesday, August 25 2009 at 11:00 AM.
Related: Temper Trap.
Temper Trap’s plans for U2-like world domination have hit a snag with a lukewarm review on US indie barometer Pitchfork. Their debut album Conditions received a paltry 4.6 out of 10 with reviewer Marc Hogan describing the album as “one for the Coldplay set – all tightly executed grandiosity and U2 pedals, generally with pounding drums, soaring vocals about steadfastness or mortality or whatever, one rumbling bass note per arpeggiated guitar chord, and a modest drizzling of synths”. They do, however, “drape post-office-party mistake-hookup tackiness in the lofty imagery of global struggle” rather well. Other acute observations include: “Australia is still pretty far away from most of the rest of us.” Finger on the pulse as always, Pitchfork. Undeterred, the London-based outfit begin a grueling run of European shows this week with a performance at the Monarch in London tomorrow (August 26). They will head back to Australia in December for Falls … Muscles meanwhile has come out of the Batcave with news he’s interested in starting a rock band. “In love with my gretch [sic] guitar,” he confessed in his first MySpace blog post in ages. “Thinking bout writing a rock album, start a rock band, looking for a lead guitarist and rhythm guitar or do both maybe.” In other Muscles news, the electro-pop singer is thinking of seeing GI Joe or Inglourious Basterds this week, but isn’t sure. He’s also planning a skiing trip, a New Year’s party and listening to loads of ’60s pop music. Yep, life sure is tough on the Modular payroll.
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I don't see a snag? It's obvious that Temper Trap aren't Animal Collective. they're aiming at a different market. Coldplay and U2 would get average reviews on pitchfork i imagine, but that doesn't translate into poor sales.
I noticed Sweet Disposition is the on the promo for 10's AFL finals coverage, that will sell them some records.
I nominate “Australia is still pretty far away from most of the rest of us” as quote of 2009
It certainly doesn't roll off the tongue.
Is the photo of Pitchfork?
This band really struggle with their promo shots.
this band really struggle
They've got a photo shoot suitable for every style
White boy indie (Pitchfork, NME etc)
hipper-than-thou 80s vibe for electro rags
etc
Which Temper Trap do you want to be today?
Still, they're on track to be the most (commercially) successful band containing a former M+N writer.
on track? who holds that title currently? Dave Graney?
Deloris
That is definitely the most telling/depressing part of that review. And probably the reason that the only music that makes it out of Australia (and arguably makes it in Australia too) is derivative stylised shit.
To be fair, they're also still pretty far away from us.
Who?
Pitchfork.
Yes.
is muscles still with modular?
Last I heard he was going batshit crazy
Seriously!
Weird (but friendly) surprise. Muscles texted me yesterday. He asked me to teach him how to skateboard! I explained that to be a good skater, you seriously must skate every day for about six years. It's harder than learning to play an instrument. Then he replied that he was thinking of buying a RAZOR SCOOTER!
I nearly shoved the mobile phone down my throat. Those scooters are abhorrent. They're for little kids who get in the way at the skatepark. DON'T DO IT, MUSCLES.
Anyway, I will report on how it goes.