THE TROUBLE WITH TEMPLETON – ROOKIE

The Trouble with Templeton are an alternative five-piece from Brisbane. Rookie is their second album and it is overflowing with melancholy melodies.

The lyrics of songs such as Whimpering Child, Six Months in a Cast and Soldiers seem to belie a deeper pain or past hurt resolving itself through songwriter Thomas Calder’s music. There is a sense of longing for happiness and a touch of bitterness throughout the cathartic twelve tracks.

Although this talented bunch are on the way up and catharsis is what makes an artist, it’s a shame there isn’t more hope or optimism to balance the despondent feeling found in Rookie. (LL)

**1/2