The Temperature - Luck vs. Hope

The Temperature

Luck vs. Hope
​self-released; 2016

3.7 out of 5 

By Jamie Funk

Luck vs. Hope is a fifteen minute track from THE TEMPERATURE which consists of Cyrus Hanz and Steve Tankersley. It’s officially one track but is more like a couple of tracks. It’s a swampy, lo-fi affair that was quite enjoyable. I was reminded of the band Deerhunter at times if they decided to detune their guitars.

The track starts sludge as hell with what sounds like a drum machine, dissonant guitars and really catchy vocal melodies. The lyrics are quite poignant and hit the nail on the head. He sings, “I can tell the weight has lifted, your countenance has shifted I can tell the mood has shifted, your countenance has lifted”.

The first change in the song comes about two minutes in but it’s more of a transition. It makes the song feel a bit care free in a good way. The first major change happens about a minute later that sounds like a mix between jangly pop and surf. 

It’s off kilter but sounds unique. His vocals become very distorted around the seven minute mark. It’s also around this point that he has some of the catchiest vocal melodies. There are also some killer guitar fills. The next major change happens right before the ten minute mark where the guitars sound extremely detuned but am pretty sure he is just using an octave pedal.

I’ll also add the cover art for this song is intriguing and in some kind of weird abstract kind of way seemed to work with the music.

Overall, this duo has a very intriguing sound. They are definitely onto to something and with a little tweaking in the production department could really bring things home. On their bandcamp page they already have a single out called “Vertigo” which is similar in style. Looking forward to more from this duo.