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Ok, so first off I must iterate the fact that this particular run down is in no particular order, nor is it a definitive list of the best British record labels of all time (as if such a breakdown could ever be truly quantified). It is simply a list of some personal favourites within the British...MORE>>

They’ve been banging about for a while now, and they’re still milking their debut album for all its worth. No really they are. Re-releasing Science of Fear, extensive touring of Conditions, all almost a year after the album was released. But judging by the crowd in Shepherds Bush, we’re far from bored of this Aussie phenomenon.

So where do we start? The tiny o2 empire looked as if it would crumble under the stadium-rock quality of The Temper Trap, until the first support drifted onto the stage. Sarah Blasko. An Aussie girl with a great look, but the whole package seemed to be an obvious attempt to break into the quirky-husky-voiced-attractive-female-artist genre which the likes of Katie Melua and Gabriela Cilmi have firmly made their mark on.

A lot of stylish and modern folk tones are what made up Blasko’s set, but her Kate Bush style dancing simply made her look like your Gran had had one sherry too many. Her dancing kinda summed up the music: elaborate, trying too hard, lacking originality, and a waste of energy.

And onto the Temper Trap. Not a long set as you may imagine, but boy was it packed full of energy and quality music. Frontman Dougie was on fine form, dancing around and really getting into the swing of it in the intimate venue. The other members seemed fairly forgettable as Dougie was really stealing the show, but Jonathan Aherne on bass tried to take some the limelight by dancing like a pillock whilst slapping his bass. Not a wise idea Johnny boy.

I had the distinct impression that it was only dads and Aussies at the gig, and this was reinforced by the fact that most of the crowd only knew the lyrics to Sweet Disposition. This is the ‘Traps problem. Sweet Disposition might have been too successful. Too good for the band. Don’t get me wrong I don’t think they are the next Chesney Hawkes, but the second album ain’t gonna be easy.

Science of Fear was simply amazing. They added a more drum and base feel to the end of the track which really got the crowd going. A couple of new songs didn’t go down well as they were simply too quiet and too sombre. But here’s my main complaint of the gig:

There were some technical problems for the guitarist which meant about 3 minutes of no activity on stage. Now, that might not sound like a long time but trust me, It was. Dougie didn’t even interact with the crowd, and he immediately lost their interest. When the band went off at the end, the crowd hardly even cheered for an encore. Dougie you bad man.

So overall impressions were positive. They are a strong band because of their engaging front man, and without him, they are nothing. So when he gave up on the crowd, the gig ceased. They are well worth watching, but Dougie…at least chuck in a couple of day-oohs next time.