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Tracklisting
1. Don't Mess With Me
2. Joy
3. Blame
4. It's Better To Have Loved
5. Not That Big - Temposhark & Imogen Heap
6. Knock Me Out
7. Crime
8. Battleships
9. Little White Lie
10. Invisible Ink [prelude]
11. Invisible Ink
12. Winter's Coming
What should you expect of this Brighton based electronic rock band? Should you expect an album of varied pace and speed, combined with a ferocious edge? Because, to be honest, that’s how the name Temposhark could be taken literally. Yet, aside from this literal analysis, Temposhark manage to offer so much more than what can be derived from their name…
Listening to Temposhark’s debut album ‘The Invisible Line’ can only take you on a whirlwind rollercoaster ride of adventure, both musically and emotionally. Musically, the skilful lyrics, complimented by the powerful (yet somewhat American sounding) voice of lead vocalist Rob Diament combines to present an emotional rollercoaster of feelings. ‘The Invisible Line’ is the album for any mood; from moments of melancholy to moments of madness. Altogether, the contrasts create what is the Temposhark sound, that is worthy of it’s own dictionary definition.
Opening track ‘Don’t Mess With Me’ instantly creates a powerful image that, with its string arrangements and almost symphonic feel, seems suited to be the next Bond theme tune. In fact, ‘Don’t Mess With Me’ is the epitome of Mr Bond: iconic, sexy, cool and somewhat mysterious. This is furthered by the witty lyrics of ‘I am raw, a dinosaur, but I will never be extinct’. Then the album moves onto second track ‘Joy’ and you begin to comprehend the mixture of the Temposhark sound. Whilst the previous track had you craving adventure, ’Joy’ injects a concoction of electro-pop that certainly pinpoints why they have dominated the London club scene for so long.
A firm favourite at live shows and the first single to be taken from the debut album; epic ‘Blame’ certainly provides evidence for the elements of ‘angst rock’ that can be heard infiltrating this varied mix of sounds. Furthermore, it’s not surprising that ’Blame’ has reached the finals of the International Song Writing Competition; undeniably, the strong pop chorus will get you hooked.
The guarantee that ‘The Invisible Line’ can provide for any mood is evident in the ballad-esque songs of ‘It’s Better To Have Loved’ and further on in the album, in ‘Battleships’ and ‘Winter’s Coming’. These tracks allow lead vocalist Rob Diament to really show the talent of his voice; adding more depth to the already contemplative lyrics.
But don’t go thinking the album is a soppy array of pathetic ballads, because it’s not. The real gem of the album is waiting in the form of ’Not That Big’. What really separates this song from the rest of the album (and henceforth taking the album into a whole new level) is the collaboration with stunning Imogen Heap, who provides beautiful harmonies that compliment the song without overwhelming it. ‘Not That Big’ is the ultimate portrayal of what Temposhark are capable of achieving. The track is the summit of the rollercoaster, the descent and the feeling of adrenaline after the ride. It leaves you feeling excited and strangely refreshed at the same time. Put simply, it’s the ’must have’ track of the whole album.
Overall, the album provides strong, solid songs and - no doubt about it - variety. Regarding Temposhark’s prospect for 2008, they have many more tours planned, both in the US and the UK. With an already strong fan base, backed up with keen listeners and radio stations eager to play their songs, they certainly are set to become very successful, both here and across the Atlantic. Temposhark are the type of band who can turn one album into something rather addictive.
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