Live Review: The Temper Trap @ KOKO, Camden

The Temper Trap frontman, Dougy Mandagi. Pic: pamhule

KOKO, Camden, London, UK - 22/05/12

Thrashing melodic sounds combined with political meaning attempted to suggest there's more to The Temper Trap than just a sweet pop song once loved by so many before its repetition and demise.

The Australian London-based band summed up last summer's riots with a blood red stage and a classic 90s chorus outburst in London's Burning.

Average first single Need Your Love, opener from the self-titled album released yesterday, provided a familiar guitar riff and too simple a sound, failing to compare to debut Conditions opener Love Lost. This track followed to much delight from an aroused audience who played along to the addictive clapping rhythm.

Although new album fillers Miracle and Rabbit Hole were pleasant, they never reached the heights of Down River. The passion poured out of Jonathon Aherne's acoustic guitar as frontman Dougy Mandagi paraded the stage shouting 'Don't stop!'

Trembling Hands asks us to throw Dougy a line and it seems like he may need the support as the dull chorus is fairly uninspiring.

Thankfully the addictive guitar riff of Science of Fear was not far away and the first of a trio of song highlights soon mesmerised. The breakdown during the track was perfect before a captivating build-up culminated in a grateful applause.

Resurrection quickly followed to keep up the momentum and a superb crashing down with the drums taking poll position was well executed.

The instrumental Drum Song closed a pre-encore set in extravagant style as the band gave it their all and Dougy caught our eye by cheekily pouring water on his personal cymbal before rashly smashing down.

The group returned with the bewitching Soldier On before a dreary new album track disappointingly prepared us for the climax of the evening.

Sweet Disposition met all expectations and the crowd were certainly satisfied trying to reach Dougy's falsetto wonders.

Unexpected 'oldies' were the joys of the night as the new album falls short of any positive comparisons.

Below is the video for The Temper Trap's Trembling Hands:

               

Even Hitler never used profanities...

Courtesy of Leo Robinson, Rick Dobbing

Whether it was his arrogance and selfishness that led him to slam his acoustic guitar down and storm off, or his ignorance towards a rowdy audience member, the man who likened himself to Hitler did not end his set too pleased.

Dressed Like Wolves had gathered much anticipation ahead of their headline set in Stoke-on-Trent. I, for one, was looking forward to the dark, sultry sounds of Rick Dobbing's captivating voice and lo-fi indie compositions at the The Old Brown Jug pub.

Sat near the front with our pint glasses in hand, we were prepared to indulge in a night of chilled acoustic entertainment.

After little time, two upfront and talkative brothers had joined our table. Although apprehensive at first, we grew to love their company and soon bonded to form a pleasant companionship for the evening.

It seemed like the elder brother in particular had been drinking for longer in the day, and was in his own little world. Whereas the younger brother was very sure of himself and was quite vocal towards the performing acts; gathering many embarrassing looks from the other audience members.

Although louder than the musicians at times, the pair were never offensive and no malice was intended upon the performers. One musician, unfortunately, was not so sympathetic to their enjoyment being expressed so freely and vocally.

"I was just getting angry with that wanker to be honest."
Said Rick Dobbing.

A clearly talented young man, with a unique voice and chilling style, he also managed to create some sing-alongs with the two men. Unfortunately for him, the loud-mouthed brother was satirically singing the lyrics to songs he felt were being ripped off. As a Radiohead and Blink 182 fan, he was not impressed with such similar sounding songs, and wanted the band to know.

Throughout the set, questions were thrown at him and the strings on his guitar were tightening as the tension rose. To finish off a somewhat dramatic close to the set, the wannabe rock star stepped up from his stool, threw his acoustic on the ground and left for the smoking area, leaving a disjointed applause behind him.

Speaking to him after the show, I felt sympathetic towards his two band members who were left to clear up the mess. He didn't seem to mind though, as he knew his place:

“Well it is just me; everything about it. They're just there. They are my songs. To be honest, they don't really contribute anything in the way of that. I look at my songs and think, I want electric guitar and stuff because they're better instruments. It's not a collaborative thing.”

A modest man with a heart of gold.

It's all OK though, because “we have good banter and that; it's a good laugh,”

Asked, hypothetically, if he was in the Third Reich, and his band members were Goebbels and Goering, would he be Hitler, he responded with a likeness towards the dictator:

“Yeah, man. It's like when Leo (of support act Cult Party) had his friend play; it's his stuff and that's the way it is for me. They're sort of helping to fill the gaps, but it's your thing. I don't class it as being a proper band.”

I can't speak for Leo, but, at the time, these words brought an uncomfortably fidgety response from the Cult Party lead. The support act's spellbinding set was by far the musical highlight of the night and he was a true pleasure to talk to; far from having a likeness to a man comparable to Hitler.

Despite this egotistical frontman creating so much havoc, it was the beautiful words of the boisterous audience member's brother towards the end of the performance: “I know he's like this, but, you know, he's my brother and I love him.”

This lovable rogue's comforting drunken slur, heard from across the pub, was gratifying and welcomed. He was eccentric and opinionated, and perhaps the last person you would want in your audience – especially if you enjoy creating unoriginal music – but his brother didn't care, and he wouldn't have been anywhere else, with anyone else. And we agreed. Our shared hours spent talking and laughing afterwards were not wasted.

Stoke's Sugarmill hopeful to become NME's Best Small Venue

Courtesy of The Sugarmill, NME Britain's Best Small Venue

NME are looking to crown the best small venue in Britain and Stoke-on-Trent's Sugarmill is in the running.

Following the Sugarmill's 2011 triumph for the Best Small Venue in the Midlands, the Hanley nightclub is looking to improve on the accolade.

They previously beat Nottingham's The Rescue Rooms and the Custard Factory in Birmingham to top the poll.

Sugarmill promoter Danni Brownsill said: “We won all the heats that were voted for, so that meant the world to us to know that people supported us so much.”

Glasgow King Tut's, winners of the 2011 poll, will not be eligible to receive the title again.

“What we do know is that our customers are amazingly dedicated and are as passionate about The Sugarmill as their local venue as we are.

“We aren't some faceless corporation, we are a small independent business, and we treat out customers like family, and they respond to that.

The Sugarmill must win the regional title again to be apart of the 2012 national shortlist.

“We are what we are and do what we do because of them as much as we work hard, we are nothing without them.”

Spring has seen the likes of Maximo Park, Hadouken! and Mystery Jets been announced to play at the prestigious venue.

“I think we're incredibly lucky to have such a passionate music scene in Stoke, especially as we are a small city. The fact that bands with a big profile want to come and play here is a testament to our great crowd.

The Stoke music scene has seen a great rise with the likes of local talents such as Aaron Mobberley, Jim McShee and All The Young.

“I personally believe that it is the smaller venues which are the heart and soul of the UK live music scene.

“Every band has to cut their teeth on this circuit, every city has a venue like this, where people see their first shows, where people who share a passion for music get together and enjoy it collectively.”

To vote for your favourite venue visit the NME website and explain your choice in 100 characters or fewer. The first round of voting closes on April 20.

Check out this promo video for the Sugarmill by Liam R. Dawson below:

Sugarmill from Liam R. Dawson on Vimeo.