Australian indie-rock outfit The Temper Trap have made a grand return, sharing “Lucky Dimes” as their first original single in nine years.
Released on Thursday (Aug. 14), the new track is described as something of a step forward for the Melbourne quartet, with a heavier edge being made present thanks to frenetic guitarwork and thumping percussion.
Paired with a video directed by Melbourne-based creative Joey Clough, the new single was crafted alongside Grammy-nominated producer Styalz Fuego, who has previously worked with the likes of Charli XCX and Troye Sivan.
“Good to know that 9 years after the last one, we still have something to say,” said vocalist and guitarist Dougy Mandagi. “It’s been an absolute pleasure creating this record and we can’t wait to share it with you, not to relive the past but to write the next chapter.”
The Temper Trap first formed in Melbourne in 2005, signing to revered local stable Liberation Music the following year. The group’s debut single, 2008’s “Sweet Disposition,” was a minor hit on the indie scene, gaining prominence thanks to its use in the Marc Webb-directed 2009 film 500 Days of Summer.
The song’s profile resulted in a No. 1 position on the Dance/Mix Show Airplay charts, a No. 3 showing on the Dance Club Songs, and a peak of No. 17 on the Hot Rock & Alternative Songs charts.
Their debut album, 2009’s Conditions would reach the top ten in their native Australia, though 2012’s self-titled effort would become their first of two consecutive records to top the charts in Australia, while also generating a No. 83 placing on the Billboard 200.
The group’s most recent album was 2016’s Thick as Thieves, which has been followed by a number of remixes in recent years, alongside a cover of The Church’s “Under the Milky Way” in 2023.
In late July, “Sweet Disposition” also received newfound attention when it was voted into No. 11 on triple j’s Hottest 100 of Australian Songs countdown.
Watch The Temper Trap’s “Lucky Dimes” below.
