The Temper Trap
Shepherds Bush Empire, London
30/04/2010
 
The Temper Trap’s final show of an impressive three night residency at the O2 Shepherds Bush Empire is one of grandeur and perfection. A sea of couples and expectant singletons lace the stalls of the West London venue, but conversations come to an end and eyes are soon fixed to the stage as the Aussie boys coyly make their entrance, accompanied by the mellow applause of the equally bashful crowd.
 
Performing tracks from their hugely successful debut LP ‘Conditions’, the four-piece shine eloquently this evening. Frontman Dougie Mandagi entertaining all present throughout opener ‘Rest’ with his vocal exploits and then later with the sweet sounds of album winner ‘Fools’. Having treated the audience to recent single ‘Fader’, The Temper Trap then sneakily (and arguably rather prematurely) throw their little anthem out there and ‘Sweet Disposition’ soars; a mirage of flying fairy lights providing the backdrop as audience members go weak at the knees.
 
Returning to the stage after a rapturous and deserved encore, The Temper Trap finish accordingly with ‘Science Of Fear’. Dougie pours water onto a lone drum as the track peaks, and the rest of the band explode into a fury of passion whilst the front row gets an unexpected shower. As they finally depart the stage, fans nod at each other agreeably, leaving the venue joyful and sumptuously fulfilled. Good work boys.
 
Frazer Lawton