The Curtin’s interior is a quaint reminder of the likes of Ding Dong Lounge in Market Lane and a place to catch up-and-coming bands destined for something bigger. I am greeted by a blast of noise and overwhelming volume that jolts the ear drums to hostility. The Process are waking up people’s heads with a barrage of sound. People swagger and sway as the disco ball keeps turning. This newly renovated venue caters well. It is an intimate show although. The band’s rapture hails a solid down pour on the Curtin, and at ten thirty a pummel of bass resonates through the room to an uncomfortable dismay of some. They forge a way to end out their set with vigour, with a whistle and clap ceasing as their vocalist’s onstage bounding and flailing rounds down. Then he starts again, like a crazed man on too much caffeine, perhaps emulating a stereotypical UK band, he is more aggressive than charming as he flails his arms and knocks over his stand. Their bassist wears a UK flag on glittering shirt and the mood shifts to a removed type of Franz Ferdinand style. The tempo changes again, the crowd starts to dance up front.
The relaxed sell-out crowd, were treated to a set from the Temper Trap bristling with such a dynamic creativity that weaved its way through each band member. Four microphones were lined up in a row, positioned for their harmonies, particularly on the epic and much adored song Sweet Disposition which the crowd reacted whole-heartedly to, screeching and bopping all the way through. Lead singer Dougie, with his Run DMC shirt emblazoned red on white on his front became the focus of an hour’s set full of delightful atmospheric and adventurous meanderings.
Dougie immersed himself in the music, and the full capacity crowd held their places, more observant than interactive while enjoying the grooves of Temper Trap, largely fuelled by a band that backed each other up with a cool cohesion seldom apparent. This sort of musician-ship is necessary for a successful band to appease and please. Tonight, it was less of a rowdy affair and more a laid back bunch of patrons ranging from the young to the young at heart. Dougie had outstretched arms and moved like a soul singer, preaching love and wonder, experiencing, immersing, vocalising more the tender of emotions. Temper Trap peaked shortly after Sweet Disposition and played a smashing and satisfying set. With comparison’s to such bands as early U2 and Radiohead, 2009 should be a bigger year for Temper Trap.
