Temposhark - Threads

Just when you thought the synth revival that has made such an impression on the charts recently had run its course, along comes Temposhark with their second album Threads. In all honesty to pigeonhole this release as purely keyboard pop is deceiving as there is a wide variety of genres and styles within the eleven tracks, mirroring the assortment of emotions. Such is the contrast from the likes of the glam sounding “Irresistible” to the thumping beat of “Bye Bye Baby” you may be slightly confused as to which album or artist you are listening to. The brainchild and lead singer Robert Diament collaborates with producer Sean McGhee, who has worked with the likes of Sugababes and Britney Spears to create a sound akin to Marc Almond, Savage Garden and The Hoosiers sharing the microphone in a mass SingStar session in the early hours at a very lively house party. “Cold” is more along the lines of a classic ballad, breaking the electro theme that runs deep. “Green Lights” also slows the pace, using a violin solo like a driver using the gears to reduce the speed of their vehicle, whilst “Stuck” offers a nod and a wink of nervous twitch proportions to Jason Timberlake in his prime. The bad tempered, yet witty “The World Does Not Revolve Around You” was chosen as a single and you can see why with its spiteful lyrics backed by a sing a long beat. Anyone doubting sincerity and depth are directed to “The Last Time I saw Matthew”, a vocal and piano epic, which brings the album to a surprisingly gentle close. The writing is clever but simple and musically there are more turns than Lombard Street. One concern may be the ability of the senses to adjust. Anyone who has ever stepped into a steaming hot bath on a freezing cold day will know just what this means.