Melbourne’s indie darlings The Temper Trap showed their hometown some loving with a secret Fall’s Festival side show at the intimate Corner bandroom.
The excitement was palpable as the boy’s took to the stage and the sell out crowd listened in a hushed reverence as they began with an instrumental piece that quickly turned into Rest. Front man Dougy Mandagi’s voice is a force to be reckoned with. In an age where many rock ‘singers’ are whiny, nasal and off key, with live performances that sound like a wailing cat in heat, it was an absolute joy to hear a vocalist who can actually sing. Despite his repeated apologies for having an off night with a cold, Dougy put on an amazing show with his rich falsetto that perfectly accentuates The Temper Trap’s lush, atmospheric sounds.
They powered through all of the songs from their debut LP Conditions with a ferocious intensity. Highlights of the set included heartbreaking renditions of Soldier On and Love Lost and the boys treating us to some riveting brand new material. Of course the night ended on a high with an impassioned performance of their break out single Science Of Fear and they went on to further delight their fans by signing autographs at the merch table after the show. The Temper Trap are an amazing live act who wear their indie rock hearts on their sleeves with a thrilling, emotional set that was a definite highlight of 2009’s live music scene.
Come back home soon boys, Melbourne needs to see more of you.
