The Temper Trap to return with first album in a decade, Sungaze

"Sungazer" follows previous teasers "Lucky Dimes", "Into The Wild", and "Giving Up Air", with the announcement of the new album marking the end of a brief hiatus introduced in 2018 due to burnout. "Sungazer" is a promise from singer and guitarist Dougy Mandagi to his son to walk with him through life, capturing the love of parenthood.

Speaking about the inspiration behind the title track, Mandagi explains, “Sungazer is a song I wrote as a declaration to my little boy Ziggy before he was born. The lyrics are a promise to him, to be with him throughout his life.”

Over the past few years, The Temper Trap have stepped back to tend to their personal lives and rediscover their artistic identities, with Mandagi moving to Berlin and then his home country of Indonesia, while drummer Toby Dundas set up a recording studio and began scoring for films, bassist Jonathon Aherne released a solo project from his home in America, and guitarist Joseph Greer began teaching. Sungaze brings their experiences together, reflecting who the band is now with a range of sounds inspired by indie and heavy electronica.

Discussing the album, The Temper Trap share: “With time apart and much personal growth from us all, Sungazer feels like it’s captured the most pure collection of music we’ve ever made. We had more fun making this record and in the writing room than on any of the previous records we’ve done. We’re in a great place creatively and in our friendships, we’re closer than ever. Being back into the studio together really felt like coming home.”

Sungazer artwork

Sungazer tracklist

"Lucky Dimes"
"Into The Wild"
"These Arms"
"Bird on a Wire"
"Giving Up Air"
"Sungazer"
"Lifeline"
"Runaways"
"Halfway"
"Dystopia Radio"
"Kuru"