Temposhark

The line between rock and electronic music may not be invisible but it seems to get blurrier by the day. Postal Service may have been a catalyst in the emergence of more indie crossover projects but Temposhark’s origins are more reminiscent of the emo stylings of groups such as AFI and Fall Out Boy. Not only does singer-songwriter Rob Diament have the mournful angst in his voice of such musical peers but partner/producer Luke Busby’s orchestration has the dynamics to accompany it. Thick strings fill much of the first half of the album and despite the transition to more tech-y beats and synthesised sounds later on, it doesn’t disguise the traditional composition styles and predominating rock influence in the music’s essence. The production and songwriting are both solid but aside from the incorporation of more electronic instrumentation and recording, there’s little originality or depth. Devout electronic listeners looking for the next great musical evolution would do well to pass this by but those who are still on the fence will probably get something out of Temposhark.