The raw rock revival brought to the airwaves by the Strokes and the White Stripes, followed by the infectious dance-pop put forth by the Rapture and the Killers, meant that it was only time until the sounds were successfully merged to fit the new era of music. Temper Temper from Milwaukee, WI, provide the fatal thrust into the heart of acts who are trying to be the next Death From Above 1979 or Bloc Party, by way of a captivating debut. Utilizing the talents of Jim Diamond (the Von Bondies, the White Stripes) does not hurt the endeavor either.

The band makes no attempt to hide the noise they are trying to pin, with "Trust Me" ripping through via a loud, spontaneous twirl of the keyboard element before settling on it as a backbone supporting a dirty drumbeat and hyperactive guitars. This self-titled effort is primed for all forms of pretentious interpretation (yes, they have a song featured on "The O.C."); however, vocalist Pat Fuller paves that dreaded path with a singing style akin to Glen Danzig that remains shadowy even when his supporting cast explodes into dance-rock bliss ("Heart Like a Fist").

Although creativity runs rampant on the record, its initial punch is rather monotonous, with the impression that Temper Temper is merely bastardizing the same tempo repeatedly. Not until you dig deep into the hidden rusty guitar hook in "Trainwreck Flare" or the humbled, yet big rock sound streaming from "Bleed For Me Comrade" can you feel the real talent. Once the songs become more familiar, concealed aspects of the band pop unexpectedly making nearly every song as favorable as the upbeat "Terror Tongue & Cheek," which is prepped for radio play adjacent to the aforementioned stars.

Temper Temper are not going to convert those already dreading rock's latest restoration, but with a cunning album that stimulates a new twist on the genre, there is certainly no reason to write them off effortlessly either. Given the opportunity to tackle their faults and expand the garage rock / synth-pop sound I foresee a lucrative future for the quintet.