The British punk rockers present an album worthy of worship
Following on from their debut album, 'No Association,' Midlands-based three piece Templeton Pek reveal 'Scratches & Scars,' inviting listeners onto an unstoppable, adrenaline-powered rollercoaster of a ride. The trio have truly come a long way in recent years, evolving to become a brutal musical force.
Opening tracks 'Calculate This Risk' and 'Headgames' provide a great insight into the experience that is to unfold, with melodic strains effortlessly intertwining with ruthless rhythms to produce an attractive punk rock sound. First single 'Barriers' also utilizes this formula, but the result is by no means uninspiring, with this track expectantly establishing itself as a highlight of this twelve track journey. Strings are tenderly used for the beginning of 'Low,' also being effectively reapplied throughout, providing a nice touch to what could have easily become an unvaried style. Although the furious character of Templeton Pek's music is normally one of its greatest strengths, it is when the music dies away midway through 'Break the Habit' that is has greater impact, with the song soon effectively exploding back into life.
'Rotten in Denmark' may give implications that putrid musical scents will be filling the air, but as the spacious introduction commences, all assumptions drain away and assurance is given. Both 'Fiction Burn' and 'Dark Matter' maintain the commendable standard of the album, with the latter displaying a superb balance of composure and vigour. 'Crosswires' makes you realise that underneath it all, Templeton Pek's style of punk rock is not hugely revolutionary, drawing on traditional chord progressions and instrumental tones. However, the music is greatly executed and distracts from any shortcomings that the album may have.
Video gamers may well recognise 'Red Lights Flash' from Codemasters' critically-acclaimed game 'Colin McRae: DiRT 2;' the enigmatic anthem joining tunes from the likes of Biffy Clyro and Queens of the Stone Age to complete the game's soundtrack. Beginning with a deceivingly quiet heartbeat, the soul of the track soon reveals itself and blooms to become a wonderful feat of versatility. As 'Made to Waste' rumbles into action, the relentless pummelling of Templeton Pek's sound continues, never wandering too far from the style that they have refined. Closing track 'Slow Burn' is anything but leisurely in nature, the rhythmically-driven verses balancing perfectly with the blissfully harmonised choruses and rounding off a highly impressive album.
Despite the year having only just gotten underway, 'Scratches & Scars' is already looking to become a strong contender for the accolade of the best punk rock album of 2011. The energy contained is never left to simmer, the frenetic stew of attitude persistently boiling away. The band's history has already witnessed the trio supporting a plethora of punk rock legends such as Bad Religion, Pennywise and Killswtich Engage, indicating that Templeton Pek have the potential to soon be enjoying comparable immortalisation. Should you be searching for Britain's answer to Rise Against, then look no further; if 'Scratches & Scars' is anything to go by, Templeton Pek will imminently be shaking up the punk rock scene.