TTNG - Disappointment Island

Written by Ken Bowden for Bloodrock Media on September 20, 2016 

British math rockers, TTNG (formerly known as This Town Needs Guns), released their third full length album titled Disappointment Island in July 2016.  Math rock?  Yes, math rock is rhythmically complex, guitar-based rock music influenced by post-hardcore, progressive rock bands, characterized by irregular stopping and starting, odd time signatures, angular melodies, and extended chords. 

Disappointment Island is a bit mellower and melody heavy than TTNG’s prior release 13.0.0.0.0 (2013) but from the notable opener “Coconut Crab” to the extremely satisfying, smooth jam that is “Empty Palms”, Disappointment Island is filled with easy to listen to guitar, bass, and drums, unmistakable energy, and extraordinary lyrics.  The island themed track names are almost as entertaining as the songs themselves….ALMOST.  The overall desolate island theme is quite ironic because there isn’t a millimeter of unoccupied space on Disappointment Island, every nook and cranny is filled with solid, well-crafted musicianship. 

On their first listen fans will enjoy Disappointment Island, but listens two and three will be even more enlightening and magnify fans appreciation to the intricacy that TTNG has put forth with this album.