Description

In the two and a half years since the release of their last album Rookie, Brisbanes The Trouble With Templeton have, says frontman Thomas Calder, been busy breaking down and re-assembling what it means to make music for us. On the evidence of the richly confident and clear-sighted Someday, Buddy, released through Bella Union, that time was well spent.

The full-bodied songs here can take the emphasis, no trouble. The Trouble With Templeton werent slouching on Rookie, where Calder and company wedded vibrant melodies and multifarious alt-rock flavours epic, jangly, glam to a core of emotive cogency. On Someday, Buddy, however, their personality emerges sharper and clearer. Our goal was to make a record that is raw, bare and honest, says Calder, a claim borne out by the incisive lyrics of the swelling Sailor and lilting Heavy Trouble, where Calders falsetto dances over a tender indie folk backdrop.

Sometimes fragile, sometimes forceful, Calders voice remains a marvel on Bad Mistake, a combination of intricate verses and a huge chorus pitched somewhere between Pavement and Elliott Smith.

Someday, Buddys recipe is one of slow burn songs harbouring great reserves of potency: the discreet neo glam swagger of Complex Lips, the sunburst chorus of Vernon, the gorgeous ripples of album highlight 1832.

For The Trouble With Templeton, the album is the culmination of time spent refining the bands qualities following extensive touring for Rookie. After taking time out to recharge their batteries, Calder, Ritchie Daniell (drums) and Sam Pankhurst (bass) recorded as a trio with help from their friend Matt Redlich; later, they were joined by another buddy, guitarist Jack Richardson. As a result, says Calder, the bands bonds are stronger than ever. By the time Someday, Buddy fades out with the understated confidence and poised beauty of Sturdy Boy no one could doubt it.

LP pressed on white vinyl with digital download code.