When Australia's
The Trouble with Templeton first appeared in 2011, it was as the recording project of then 20-year-old singer/songwriter
Thomas Calder. He self-released Bleeders, a home-recorded mini-album of quiet introspective indie folk that was well-received in his native Brisbane. Two years, several tours, and an international record deal later,
TTWT return as a highly rated quintet, releasing what is for all intents and purposes their debut album,
Rookie. There is still much of the thoughtful, folk-flavored musings in
Calder's new material, though the expanded lineup certainly tilts the band's sound further toward alt-rock with distinct echoes of
Radiohead,
Bright Eyes, and even bits of
the Flaming Lips.
Calder's warm, dusty voice frequently dips into upper registers as he emotes intensely on moody tracks like the skittering opener "Whimpering Child" and the heavy-weighted "Soldiers." There are bright, upbeat, jangle pop numbers like "Glue" and glitzy, big-budget mainstream indie rockers such as "Like a Kid." Many of the other tracks sail the familiar waters of contemporary indie folk, like the hopeful "You Are New" and the contemplative "Lint."
Rookie is ably played and warmly produced, and
Calder has has surrounded himself with a solid band on this debut. ~ Timothy Monger