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Conditions (album)
Conditions (album)
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Conditions
Studio album by
Released19 June 2009 (2009-06-19)
Recorded2008–2009
GenreIndie rock, indie pop
Length42:42
LabelLiberation (AUS)
Infectious (UK)
Glassnote/Columbia (US)
ProducerJim Abbiss
The Temper Trap chronology
The Temper Trap EP
(2006)
Conditions
(2009)
The Temper Trap
(2012)
Singles from Conditions
  1. "Sweet Disposition"
    Released: 16 September 2008
  2. "Science of Fear"
    Released: 24 March 2009
  3. "Fader"
    Released: 4 July 2009
  4. "Love Lost"
    Released: 6 February 2010

Conditions is the debut studio album by Australian rock band The Temper Trap, released in Australia through Liberation Music on 19 June 2009. It was later released in the United Kingdom on 10 August 2009. The album debuted at number nine on the Australian Albums Chart,[1] where it has been certified platinum, and peaked at number 25 on the UK Albums Chart, largely due to the success of the debut single "Sweet Disposition", which peaked at number six on the singles chart.[2] The song "Science of Fear" was featured in the EA Sports video game FIFA 10 and the Codemasters racing game DiRT 2, while the song "Fader" was featured in the Eden Games racing game Test Drive Unlimited 2.

Background

[edit]

After signing a worldwide record deal with Korda Marshall's newly re-launched Infectious Records (previously home to Muse, Ash and Garbage) and scoring a trailer and soundtrack appearance for the US film 500 Days of Summer, Melbourne band The Temper Trap got together with producer Jim Abbiss (of Kasabian, Unkle, Arctic Monkeys, Adele) to work on their debut album in early 2009.[3]

Production

[edit]

The album was completed in March 2009 in a final London Session with Abbiss, following a previous four-week stint at Melbourne's Sing Sing Studios with renowned Australian producer Kalju Tonuma who engineered the album.[3]

Reception

[edit]
Professional ratings
Aggregate scores
SourceRating
AnyDecentMusic?6.1/10[4]
Metacritic(71/100)[5]
Review scores
SourceRating
AllmusicStarStarStar[6]
BBC(favourable)[7]
NME(8/10)[8]
OK!StarStarStar[9]
Pitchfork Media(4.6/10)[10]
SputnikmusicStarStarStarHalf star[11]
The Sun-Herald(favourable)[12]
The GuardianStarStarStarStar[13]
The TimesStarStarStarStar[14]

Generally, early Australian reviews for the album were positive. Brisbane's Rave magazine gave the album high praise; "Some bands can only dream of a debut as auspicious as this. The Temper Trap have it for real".[15]

In reference to Mandagi's voice, Michael Hann of The Guardian noted that; "with his voice, and a band this dynamic, he could get away with singing the racing cards",[13] The Times online wrote that "the lead singer of this Melbourne four-piece, soars across a debut album with a voice that switches without warning into a rasping, edgy tenor with thrilling dynamic impact",[14] whilst Keira Burgess of the BBC commented that; "Mandagi's falsetto vocal provides the axis around which the rest of the band revolves, displayed both in the often unintelligible 'Love Lost' through to the likes of sing-along synth pop 'Fader'".[7]

However, not all reviews were positive, with music critic site Pitchfork Media deciding that the group is "defined by almost any measure except musical creativity or lyrical ingenuity", as well as noting that "when you adopt the trappings of revolutionary significance without showing much interest in advancing beyond the revolutions of twenty years ago, you sound ridiculous".[10]

The album was nominated for the ARIA Album of the Year Award in 2009.[16]

Promotion and release

[edit]

In Melbourne, coinciding with the launch of the album, the logo and title of the album were spray painted on pavements, including in Melbourne's central business district. Their debut album was released in Australia through Liberation Music on 19 June 2009. It was later released in the United Kingdom on 10 August 2009.

It was released in the United States on 13 October 2009, through Glassnote Records and Columbia Records.[17]

10th Anniversary Edition

[edit]

The 10th anniversary of Conditions was marked by a limited-edition vinyl and a tour in Australia.

On 9 August 2019, Conditions was reissued in a limited-edition white vinyl with a gatefold sleeve with commemorative imagery from the early days of the band's career.[18]

A 3-date tour of Melbourne, Brisbane, and Sydney was announced, with a 4th date being added later. The tour is set to begin on 4 December 2019, and will feature special guests The Lazy Eyes, and Djirri Djirri.[19]

Track listing

[edit]
Conditions (original release)
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Love Lost"Dougy Mandagi, Jonathon Aherne, Lorenzo Sillitto3:33
2."Rest"Mandagi, Aherne, Sillitto, Dundas3:52
3."Sweet Disposition"Mandagi, Sillitto3:54
4."Down River"Mandagi, Aherne3:40
5."Soldier On"Mandagi, Aherne, Sillitto5:55
6."Fader"Mandagi, Dundas3:12
7."Fools"Mandagi, Sillitto4:32
8."Resurrection"Mandagi, Sillitto5:31
9."Science of Fear"Mandagi, Sillitto, Dundas, Aherne4:17
10."Drum Song"Mandagi, Sillitto, Aherne, Dundas3:20

All tracks are written by The Temper Trap.

Conditions (international release)
No.TitleLength
1."Love Lost"3:33
2."Sweet Disposition"3:52
3."Fader"3:03
4."Rest"3:40
5."Down River"3:45
6."Soldier On"5:55
7."Fools"4:32
8."Resurrection"5:31
9."Science of Fear"4:17
10."Drum Song"3:20
11."Little Boy" (iTunes bonus track)3:51
12."Hearts" (iTunes bonus track)2:45
Conditions Remixed
No.TitleLength
1."Love Lost" (Rollo & Sister Bliss Remix) 
2."Rest" (Three Trapped Tigers Remix) 
3."Sweet Disposition" (Alan Wilkis Remix) 
4."Down River" (Fool's Gold Remix) 
5."Soldier On" (RUSKOS F'kin Seagull Remix) 
6."Fader" (Adam Freeland Remix) 
7."Fools" (Peter, Bjorn & John Hortlax Cobra Remix) 
8."Resurrection" (Penguin Prison Remix) 
9."Science of Fear" (The Count (aka Hervé) 'Medusa' Remix) 
10."Drum Song" (bretonLABS remix featuring Kate Tempest) 

Charts

[edit]


Certifications

[edit]
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA)[33] Platinum 70,000^
New Zealand (RMNZ)[34] Gold 7,500
United Kingdom (BPI)[35] Gold 100,000^

^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.
Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history

[edit]
Region Date Label Format Catalogue
Australia 19 June 2009 Liberation CD, digital download
CD LMCD0056
United Kingdom 10 August 2009 Infectious
United States 13 October 2009[17] Glassnote[17]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Conditions is the debut studio album by Australian indie rock band , released on 19 June 2009 in through Liberation Music. Produced by , the album features ten tracks blending atmospheric with soaring vocals and guitar-driven melodies, including standout singles like "" and "Science of Fear." It achieved commercial success, peaking at number 9 on the Albums Chart in where it was certified double platinum for sales exceeding 140,000 copies, and reaching number 25 on the with 39 weeks on the chart. Internationally, it sold over 750,000 copies worldwide as of 2019, with strong performance in the UK (100,000 units) and (140,000 units). The album received generally favorable critical reception, earning a Metacritic score of 71 out of 100 based on seven reviews, praised for its anthemic qualities and emotional depth while drawing comparisons to bands like and . Notable tracks include the lead single "Sweet Disposition," which became a global hit and featured in films such as (500) Days of Summer, propelling the band's international breakthrough. Conditions marked the band's rise from Melbourne's indie scene, formed in 2005 by vocalist Dougy Mandagi, bassist Jonathan Aherne, and drummer Toby Dundas, later joined by guitarist Lorenzo Silito. Its success led to tours supporting major acts and established The Temper Trap as a key player in the late-2000s indie rock revival.

Development

Background

The Temper Trap formed in 2005 in Melbourne, Australia, initially consisting of Dougy Mandagi on vocals, Toby Dundas on drums, and Jonathon Aherne on bass, with Lorenzo Sillitto soon joining on guitar and Joseph Greer later contributing on keyboards, guitar, and vocals. The band drew from the city's vibrant indie rock scene, where they honed their sound through frequent live performances at local venues and festivals, including an early appearance at the 2006 St Jerome's Laneway Festival. This grassroots exposure helped build a dedicated following in Melbourne's underground circuit. In 2006, the group released their self-titled debut EP independently, featuring tracks like "My Sun" and "Sunday Painter," which showcased their emerging blend of atmospheric and emotive songwriting. Building on this, they issued singles such as "Science of Fear" in 2009, which gained traction on Australian radio and further solidified their presence in the local music landscape. By early 2009, the band's momentum led to a signing with the UK-based Infectious Records for international distribution, a deal that expanded their reach beyond and positioned them for global attention. This partnership came after initial support from Australian entrepreneur Michael Gudinski's Liberation Music label, which had nurtured their early development. A pivotal boost arrived when their single "" was featured in the trailer for the 2009 film , starring and , generating significant pre-album hype and introducing the band's soaring, anthemic style to a wider audience. The track's inclusion highlighted the band's potential for cinematic, radio-friendly , aligning with their aspirations for a more refined and expansive sound. Following the success of their EPs and singles, which had established a core fanbase but left room for growth, the Temper Trap decided to channel their experiences into a full-length debut , aiming to capture a polished production that amplified their atmospheric guitars and Mandagi's falsetto-driven vocals. This shift marked a deliberate from their raw, independent roots toward a cohesive statement of their vision.

Production

The recording of Conditions began with an initial session at Studios in , , where Australian engineer Kalju Tonuma handled the engineering duties. This phase captured the band's raw material, laying the foundation for their debut full-length effort before they transitioned internationally. The band then relocated to to complete the album under the guidance of British producer , known for his work with acts like and . Final production took place at studios including Assault & Battery. The process wrapped in early 2009, ahead of the album's June release. Abbiss played a pivotal role in shaping the album's dynamics, pushing the band through rigorous sessions that emphasized layered builds and frontman Mandagi's vocals, though the collaboration was marked by creative tensions as the group adapted to his exacting style. Challenges included navigating disagreements over track arrangements—such as the inclusion and vocal treatments for songs like "Fader" and "Soldier On"—and integrating subtle electronic elements, exemplified by DJ Shadow's emailed beat contribution to "Science of Fear" for added texture. The international shift also required the Australian outfit to adjust to unfamiliar studio environments abroad. The finished album spans 10 tracks and runs 42:19 in total length.

Promotion and release

Singles

The lead single from Conditions, "", was released on 16 September 2008. It peaked at number 6 on the UK Singles Chart and number 14 on the Singles Chart in . The track gained viral attention through its use in the trailer for the film . All singles from the album were issued in digital and physical formats internationally via Infectious Records, while Australian releases were handled by Liberation Music, with "" later certified 2× Platinum in by . The second single, "Science of Fear", was released on 24 March 2009 and emphasized the album's atmospheric style. It was accompanied by a directed by Brendan Cook. The song peaked at number 43 on the UK Singles Chart. "Fader", the third single, followed on 4 July 2009, highlighting upbeat rhythms and driving percussion. It was promoted through live performance videos, including sessions at KEXP and . The track reached number 76 on the UK Singles Chart and number 47 on the ARIA Singles Chart. The fourth single, "Love Lost", arrived on 6 February 2010 and featured remix versions by artists such as Rollo & , targeting international markets. It peaked at number 18 on the UK Singles Chart and number 32 on the ARIA Singles Chart.

Marketing and promotion

The promotion of Conditions was spearheaded internationally by Infectious Records, which organized radio airplay on major stations, press tours across the and to build media buzz, and key festival slots including a standout performance at 2009 on the Stage, where the band debuted several album tracks to an enthusiastic crowd. A significant boost came from the inclusion of lead single "Sweet Disposition" on the soundtrack for the film (500) Days of Summer, which heightened the album's profile in through cinematic exposure and subsequent soundtrack sales. Complementing traditional efforts, the band employed strategies via and nascent social media platforms, capitalizing on their pre-existing organic online fanbase nurtured through earlier releases and sharing. Following the album's rollout, undertook an extensive tour schedule, encompassing headline performances at Australian venues in cities like , , and as part of the "Sweet Disposition" tour, alongside support slots for established acts such as Franz Ferdinand and Florence + the Machine to expand their live audience reach.

Release history

The album Conditions by Australian rock band was first released in Australia on 19 June 2009 through Liberation Music, which handled distribution for Australia and . The initial formats included standard CD and digital download, with the latter available via featuring a deluxe edition that incorporated bonus tracks such as "." In the , the album followed on 10 August 2009 via Infectious Records, responsible for European markets. Formats encompassed , a limited edition vinyl LP, and expanded digital bundles offering additional content. The North American rollout occurred on 13 October 2009 through Glassnote Records in partnership with . Primary formats were and , accompanied by promotional materials to support the launch.

Critical reception and legacy

Critical reception

Upon its release in 2009, Conditions received generally favorable reviews from critics, earning an aggregate score of 71 out of 100 on based on seven reviews, indicating "generally favorable reviews." The album also scored 6.1 out of 10 on AnyDecentMusic?, reflecting a solid but not exceptional consensus among critics. Several publications praised the album's emotional depth and anthemic qualities. The Guardian highlighted its epic scope and "thrilling otherness," crediting frontman Dougy Mandagi's unconventional —likened to —for elevating otherwise prosaic lyrics into something grand and U2-inspired. Similarly, NME awarded it 8 out of 10, commending the "soaring" vocals, intricate guitar work, and heartfelt mainstream rock appeal that positioned the band as a more likable alternative to . The Sunday Times also gave high marks, noting the U2-like grandeur in tracks like "," which contributed to the album's polished, stadium-ready sound. Not all feedback was positive, with some reviewers pointing to shortcomings in originality. Pitchfork rated it 4.6 out of 10, criticizing the formulaic structures, derivative borrowings from U2 and Coldplay, and lack of lyrical or musical innovation, despite acknowledging Mandagi's virtuosic falsetto and tight execution. Across reviews, common themes emerged in appreciation for Mandagi's falsetto and the dynamic arrangements that built to climactic highs, creating an immersive listening experience. However, critics often noted an over-reliance on these build-ups, which could feel predictable or bombastic at times. The album's reception was bolstered by early buzz from the breakout single "Sweet Disposition," which had already garnered significant radio play and positioned the band on critics' watchlists for 2009 breakthroughs.

Accolades and cultural impact

The album Conditions received significant recognition at the ARIA Music Awards in 2009, earning nominations for Album of the Year, Breakthrough Artist – Release, Best Rock Album, and Best Independent Release. Its lead single "Sweet Disposition" further propelled the band's acclaim, winning Most Popular Australian Single and contributing to The Temper Trap's victory for Best Group at the 2010 ARIA Music Awards. These honors underscored the album's immediate resonance within the Australian music industry, highlighting its role as a breakout for indie rock acts. Tracks from Conditions achieved notable placements in media, amplifying the album's global reach. "Sweet Disposition" featured prominently in the soundtrack and trailer for the 2009 film (500) Days of Summer, where it accompanied key emotional sequences, helping to cement its status as an indie anthem. Similarly, "Science of Fear" appeared in the video games FIFA 10 and DiRT 2 in 2009, integrating the album's sound into interactive entertainment and exposing it to international gaming audiences. "Fader," released as the third single, was included in the 2011 racing game Test Drive Unlimited 2, further embedding the album in pop culture. Conditions played a pivotal role in elevating Australian indie rock on the world stage during the late , blending atmospheric production with anthemic songwriting that influenced subsequent festival circuits. Its enduring popularity is evident in retrospective rankings, such as its inclusion in Australia's 2021 list of the 200 Greatest Australian Albums of All Time, and sustained streaming success, with "Sweet Disposition" surpassing 800 million plays on as of November 2025. This lasting fanbase drove anniversary celebrations, including a 10th-anniversary limited-edition white vinyl reissue and tour in 2019, followed by a 15th-anniversary black-in-red vinyl edition in 2024, reflecting ongoing demand for physical formats.

Commercial performance

Charts

The album Conditions achieved moderate commercial success on international charts upon its release in 2009, with its strongest performance in the band's home country of . The success was largely driven by the breakout single "," which gained significant radio airplay and exposure through its inclusion in the soundtrack for the film (500) Days of Summer.
Chart (2009)Peak Position
Australian Albums (ARIA)9
UK Albums (OCC)25
US Billboard 200175
Belgian Albums (Ultratop )3
Dutch Albums (Album Top 100)22
French Albums ()40
New Zealand Albums (RMNZ)7
In year-end rankings, Conditions placed at number 90 on the and number 172 on the for 2009. It saw improved performance in 2010, ranking at number 29 in and number 130 in the UK, reflecting sustained sales momentum from ongoing promotion and touring. As of 2025, the album has not experienced major re-entries on major charts following the release of its anniversary editions, though it continues to receive streaming attention in select markets.

Certifications

The album Conditions achieved sales certifications in three countries shortly after its release, reflecting its strong initial commercial success in the genre. These awards were based on combined physical and digital sales thresholds met during the late .
RegionCertificationCertified unitsAwarding bodyYear
Australia (ARIA)2× Platinum140,0002009
New Zealand (RMNZ)7,500RMNZ2010
United Kingdom (BPI)100,000BPI2010
As of November 2025, Conditions has not received any certification from the (RIAA) in the United States, nor has it been certified in other European markets such as or . The existing certifications reflect sales thresholds met primarily in the late , with now incorporating streaming equivalents since 2016, though no further upgrades have been issued.

Reissues

10th Anniversary Edition

To commemorate the 10th anniversary of Conditions, released a limited-edition white vinyl version on 9 2019 via Infectious Records. The reissue featured a sleeve incorporating commemorative imagery from the band's early career, maintaining the original album's aesthetic while appealing to collectors. It retained an identical tracklist to the standard 2009 edition, with no additional content or remixes included. The reissue coincided with an accompanying Australian tour, where the band performed the full album live in intimate theater settings. The tour consisted of three dates: Melbourne's on 4 December 2019, Brisbane's Tivoli Theatre on 5 December 2019, and Sydney's on 7 December 2019, supported by special guests The Lazy Eyes and Djirri Djirri. These shows emphasized a nostalgic full playthrough of Conditions, allowing fans to experience the debut album in its entirety for the first time in a decade. Marketing for the edition targeted original fans through a nostalgic campaign, highlighting the album's enduring legacy and early band history. The white vinyl was made available exclusively via select online stores, such as Banquet Records and various specialty retailers, fostering renewed interest in physical formats among collectors.

15th Anniversary Edition

To commemorate the 15th anniversary of Conditions, released a limited-edition vinyl on November 29, 2024 through Mushroom Music and various international distributors. The edition is available in two colored variants: a black-in-red pressing and a solid red vinyl, both featuring packaging and 160-gram heavyweight discs for enhanced audio quality. These formats preserve the original Australian release while incorporating updated anniversary artwork to appeal to longtime fans. The maintains the standard 10-track listing from the original album, with no additional remixes, bonus tracks, or alterations to the sequence. Side A includes "Love Lost," "," "," "Down River," and "Soldier On," while Side B features "Fader," "Fools," "," "Science of Fear," and "Drum Song." This fidelity to the source material underscores the edition's role as a faithful archival rather than a revised version. Priced at approximately AUD $50 in with options for international shipping, the vinyl sold out rapidly upon announcement, reflecting strong collector demand amid the ongoing 2020s resurgence in formats. Promotion centered on highlights of the album's enduring singles like "," positioning the reissue as a nostalgic collectible without any accompanying tour or live events.

Track listings

Standard edition

The standard edition of Conditions, released on June 19, 2009, by Liberation Music in , features ten original tracks composed by The Temper Trap's core members: Dougy Mandagi (vocals), Jonathon Aherne (bass), Lorenzo Sillitto (guitar), and Toby Dundas (drums). The album embodies and styles, characterized by expansive soundscapes, emotive , and anthemic builds, clocking in at a total runtime of 42:05.
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1Love LostMandagi, Aherne, Sillitto, Dundas3:36
2RestMandagi, Aherne, Sillitto, Dundas3:42
3Mandagi, Sillitto3:54
4Down RiverMandagi, Aherne, Sillitto, Dundas3:51
5Soldier OnMandagi, Aherne, Sillitto, Dundas5:58
6FaderMandagi, Aherne, Sillitto, Dundas3:12
7FoolsMandagi, Aherne, Sillitto, Dundas4:35
8Mandagi, Aherne, Sillitto, Dundas5:36
9Science of FearMandagi, Aherne, Sillitto, Dundas4:19
10Drum SongMandagi, Aherne, Sillitto, Dundas3:22
Total length: 42:05

Bonus tracks

The iTunes edition of Conditions includes two bonus tracks exclusive to the digital release: "Little Boy" (3:49) and "Hearts" (2:46). These tracks, both written by The Temper Trap members Dougy Mandagi, Jonathon Aherne, Toby Dundas, and Lorenzo Sillitto, were originally recorded as B-sides during the album's sessions. "Little Boy" served as the B-side to the single "Sweet Disposition," adding an introspective, acoustic-leaning element to the album's expansive indie rock sound. "Hearts," an instrumental piece, provides a brief, atmospheric closer that complements the record's themes of emotion and transience. Released digitally in 2009, this version was available in and the , targeting early digital purchasers ahead of the full U.S. physical rollout in . The same bonus tracks appear on the Japanese CD release. Unlike most other physical editions, which featured live recordings or regional exclusives, these bonus tracks were not included on or vinyl pressings of the standard album outside of the Japanese edition, emphasizing their role as digital incentives.

Remix edition

The remix edition of Conditions, titled Conditions Remixed, reinterprets all ten tracks from the original album through contributions by prominent producers and artists from the indie and electronic music scenes. Released in by Infectious Records in both and digital formats, the album shifts the foundations into electronic, , , and styles, creating dance-oriented variants suitable for club and environments. Key remixers include Rollo & of fame on the opening track, electronic outfit Three Trapped Tigers on "Rest," and dubstep producer Rusko on "Soldier On," blending the band's atmospheric guitars and vocals with pulsating beats and synthesized elements. Other notable collaborators, such as and Penguin Prison, further emphasize the crossover appeal by infusing progressive and indie-dance influences.

Track listing

  1. "Love Lost" (Rollo & Sister Bliss Remix)
  2. "Rest" (Three Trapped Tigers Remix)
  3. "Sweet Disposition" (Alan Wilkis Remix)
  4. "Down River" (Fool's Gold Remix)
  5. "Soldier On" (Rusko F'kin Seagull Remix)
  6. "Fader" (Adam Freeland Remix)
  7. "Fools" (Peter, Bjorn & John Hortlax Cobra Remix)
  8. "Resurrection" (Penguin Prison Remix)
  9. "Science of Fear" (The Count 'Medusa' Remix)
  10. "Drum Song" (bretonLABS remix feat. Kate Tempest)

References

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