The album makes us confront the stark reality of how abhorrent we are as a human race. At times, it’s almost uncomfortable to listen to.
Her third finds Tempest hooking up with Rick Rubin, and the effect is revelatory.
The Book of Traps and Lessons feels needed, not to make sense of the chaos, but to gain some comfort in knowing your fears are everyone else’s.
Overall The Book Of Traps And Lessons is best with a healthy dose of thoughtfulness and nuance, and while it falters on the occasions when these are disregarded, this album is another example of why Tempest’s spoken-word works now routinely amplify well beyond her poetic beginnings.
While there are great moments, Tempest’s trembling delivery of certain words, with the intention of giving them an air of profundity, can quickly become tiresome.
Not interesting musically speaking.
Also contains no interesting speaking.
It's like spending 45 excruciating minutes in the company of a female version of Danny from Withnail and I. Compare for example:
"I don't advise a haircut, man. All hairdressers are in the employment of the government. Hair are your aerials."
and
"Happiness, the brand, is not happiness, we are smarter than they think we are. They take us all for idiots, but that's their problem."
There is little ... read more
I vibe with a lot of what she is saying, don't get me wrong. But it's just repetetive and long winded. There's some good thinking material on here, but I was pretty much just mulling over the same things about 6 songs in.
Even if you struggle with the minimal production, “The Book of Traps and Lessons” is still an important album and one worth repeated listens.
http://www.rapreviews.com/2019/11/kate-tempest-the-book-of-traps-and-lessons/
It really is an interesting project, telling a beautiful story. My favorite track is People's Faces.
1 | Thirsty 3:26 | |
2 | Keep Moving Don't Move 5:49 | |
3 | Brown Eyed Man 3:05 | |
4 | Three Sided Coin 4:02 | |
5 | I Trap You 3:32 | |
6 | All Humans Too Late 3:06 | |
7 | Hold Your Own 4:07 | |
8 | Lessons 4:04 | |
9 | Firesmoke 3:34 | |
10 | Holy Elixir 4:56 | |
11 | People's Faces 5:17 |
#6 | / | MondoSonoro |
#7 | / | BBC Radio 6 Music |
#10 | / | NBHAP |
#27 | / | Loud and Quiet |
#30 | / | musicOMH |
#36 | / | Double J |
#48 | / | Rough Trade |
#82 | / | The Quietus |