THE COOPER TEMPLE CLAUSE

Finally, with this review, English bands can reach the same level of prominence on this page as Swedish bands. Two albums seems a bit pathetic but it is probably more an indictment of the sad state of British music than any bias on my behalf. The Cooper Temple Clause have had a little chart activity, a couple of top twenties, but nothing seriously troubling. This is their debut album, though, so they've got one more to go before I can make unfavourable comparisons with Muse. In any case, I've given this the same rating as Origin of Symmetry so they can't be much worse. And indeed, they're not. They are actually supposed to be better live than on record (although I saw them Live at Leeds recently and they actually don't sound much different) and listening to this you can certainly see why. Not that this is a particularly bad representation but it is seriously over-produced. The band's energy just doesn't come across as well as it does live. The album is so glossily produced it does rob the band, the guitars in particular, of some raw energy. That said, the glossy over-production, doesn't actually obscure the quality of song-writing. Some of the songs might have sounded more energetic and powerful with raw production but the songs are still good enough in their own right. I actually think even with fantastic production the rating wouldn't be any higher. Anyway, this is a remarkably solid debut album. The double A-side "Film-Maker" and "Been Training Dogs" was the release that got into the top twenty but neither songs are stand out tracks on here. The anthemic "Let's Kill Music" is probably the most commercial song on the album, which is deeply ironic given it is a rally against superficial pop music. Maybe it is over-produced but it certainly ends up sounding like a Brit-rock anthem. "Panzer Attack" is one of their earliest compositions and, possibly as a result, sounds the most energetic and aggressive. A pummelling riff and suitably throaty vocals. Although most songs have suitably throaty vocals on them. One criticism of the band is that vocalist Ben Gautrey is less than distinctive which is something, particularly in the homogenous British alternative scene, that you want to avoid. The band also use prominent synthesisers and keyboards. It rarely gets over the top but I don't think it adds a great deal to the songs, either. I guess the opening "Did You Miss Me?" does rely on synthesisers which are used to good effect. Still, the climax of roaring guitars is what really sets the song alight. On the other hand, the instrumental "555-4823" is four minutes of deadly boring electronic music. I can see what they are trying to do but really that sort of thing ought to be left to Radiohead. Still, it is the only real mis-step on the album. "Who Needs Enemies?" and "Digital Observations " are both longish, climatic songs of which the former is the better although both are definitely over-produced; "Who Needs Enemies?" using brass backing. The over- production probably does aid the last couple of songs, "The Lake" and "Murder Song", however. Both are more subtle, sinister efforts and both are pretty good. "The Lake" may edge it as the better, perhaps because it is shorter, but I have few complaints against either. They have less of an immediate impact than the likes of "Panzer Attack" and "Let's Kill Music" but their subtlety marks a welcome change and an interesting end to the album. The initial pressings also included a bonus disc with some surprisingly good b-sides (up to the quality of the actual album) and live performances of "Let's Kill Music" and "Panzer Attack"; both of which are perfectly fine although they don't show TCTC to sound THAT much better live. And that's that. In brief, a perfectly fine British debut album but not quite special enough to make me want to burn my Radiohead CDs.

From: Alex Mortimer

I'm E-mailing with regards to the poor review you gave to The Cooper Temple Clause's debut album See This Through and Leave. I have to say I disagree with many of the things you said. The Cooper Temple clause are superb musicians and have a great flow with many of their songs. Yes although "The Murder Song" is long it has a natural and very emotional build up. Ok, so you may not like the length of the song, but I think it is an exellent song. Although 8* is a good rating it still doesn't do any justice to the excellence of The Cooper Temple Clause or their debut album. Ok so the poor chart entries prove that The Coopers maybe an "Average" British band but I personally think they dont reflect how good The Coopers really are. They are young and still to improve but from the live performances and the album I think they are soon to become Britain;s best british band. I know everyone is entitled to their own opinion but I thought I should stress that your opinion is a bit too low.
To me The Cooper Temple Clause are absolutely excellent, it's just todays generations don't appeciate good quality from the heart rock music but instead are too caught up with all the tacky pop that rules the music industry.

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