FLIGHT OF THE CONCHORDS - I TOLD YOU I WAS FREAKY
This album has obviously spawned from the second series of the fantastic television programme from HBO, and it is perhaps unnecessary to state that this album is very funny lyrically, full of jokes and belly laughs. But unlike a lot of comedy records The Conchords’ work does not get tiresome after a few listens. The instrumentation is not only competent but also truly listenable, and has added musical references and parodies to keep any muso amused again and again. This album has more musical and conceptual depth than would appear at face value and certainly maintains its own musical merits that are independent of the TV show. The tracks are perhaps not quite as universally strong or catchy as the first album/series, but through continued familiarity with the new stuff, this second album will probably become just as robust a work as previous endeavours. 7/10
THE TEMPER TRAP – CONDITIONS
The Temper Trap fall quite easily within the new wave of electro indie music that is currently very hip and cool. The variety of synth timbres and usage within this new quasi genre is an interesting and refreshing reprise from the guitar-dominated noughties, and is certainly an apparent quality within this début release from the Australians. The instrumentation is rather creative at times, and the production is very tight with some fantastically precise guitar tones especially. The continuous chorus lead vocals do get a bit repetitive at times, however, and the lyrics, especially during chorus sections are at times weak and un-endearingly repetitive. There are some very good, beautiful tracks from this release; “Down River” and “Sweet Disposition” are particularly captivating; but generally this album does fall a little bit short of expectations, containing less intrigue and charisma than many of its new wave counterparts. 5/10
