‘Disappointment Island’ is TTNG’s third album, their first since becoming a three-piece in 2013. Although vocalist Henry Tremain now assumes the dual responsibility of bass and vocals, this record is no less musically complex, meaning those expecting the math-rock veterans to serve up interesting time signatures, complex drum patterns and highly intricate yet melodic guitar compositions, will not be disappointed.
Stylistically ‘Disappointment Island’ rests somewhere between the two previous records, with the instrumentation as prominent as ‘Animals’, but with less urgency and immediate impact, mirroring the more relaxed tempo explored on ‘13.0.0.0.0’. Tim Collis’ guitar work is mesmerising as ever and his jangly, finger-picked riffs become the album’s focal point as early as opener ‘Coconut Crab’ which packs a melody so infectious, you’re hooked from the first bar.
Collis’ guitar arrangements often result in beautiful moments and ‘Whatever, Whenever’ embellishes this with a new, sunnier aspect to the TTNG sound. The upbeat vibrancy of the song’s core melody forces an uncontrollable tapping of the foot, emphasised by Chris Collis’ relentlessly intricate drum patterns, to stand out as one of the band’s most impressive tracks overall. This uplifting, positive theme is shared across the album making it a warming, inviting listen throughout.
Tremain does a solid job vocally, providing a soothing layer that’s technically accomplished, switching comfortably from full-voice to falsetto, however as the album progresses the effect begins to tire. Too often Tremain’s arrangements and melodies tend toward a familiar pattern that makes the latter songs predictable and as such the vocals bleed into the background, taking a backseat in favour of the instrumentals.
TTNG don’t write pop songs and with no traditional, prominent choruses to guide you through their complex arrangements and song structures, this record can be a challenge on first listen. Once past the initial orientation, ‘Disappointment Island’ is an album that’s surrounded by a sea of uplifting melody, resulting in some of the most accomplished compositions the band have created to date. Contrary to the title of the album, this record has an addictively positive feel and is a spectacular achievement both technically and melodically.
MARK JOHNSON