This latest project from Amelia Fletcher of
Heavenly and
Marine Research is one of the most impressive records to come out on the once-celebrated indie pop label K Records in nearly a decade. It's basically stylish Brit-pop, not K's usual bag.
Tender Trap are catchy, though their music goes well beyond basic pop. Not unlike a female version of the Brit-pop act
Cinerama,
Tender Trap are romantic, sexy, and smart, and at times pensive and melancholy. There are some fairly straightforward pop tunes on
Film Molecules like "O Katrina" and "Chemical Reaction." But
Tender Trap also deftly pull off a cool, new wave, synth pop tune, "Face of 73," which is from an earlier single they released, and a lengthy electronic-keyboard-wanking number called "You Are Gone (So You Should Go)." Almost every song could potentially be a single, if radio ever played music this good. Fletcher has an exceptional though subtle voice, which is more in keeping with indie rock than British pop, but
Tender Trap's hyper-chic grooves are definitely British-sounding. This is a band deserving of a larger audience. ~ Adam Bregman