Three Trapped Tigers

Three Trapped Tigers

Three Trapped Tigers are a London-based instrumental group active since 2007. Their music combines experimental, math rock and post-rock elements with the precision of electronica, and it also draws on noise, ambient textures and improvisation. The band’s sound moves between noisy guitars, synth-led passages, rapid beats and quieter, atmospheric sections.

Formation and members

The group begins as an improvising duo made up of Tom Rogerson and Matt Calvert. Rogerson plays piano, keyboards and voice, while Calvert plays guitar, synths and electronics. They later add drummer Adam Betts when they decide the line-up needs more force. The trio remain the core line-up of the band.

The name Three Trapped Tigers comes from a book by Cuban writer Cabrera Infante. The title is chosen for its connection to the idea of contained rage rather than as a literal reference to the members.

Style and influences

The band is difficult to categorise and draws on a wide range of influences, including Aphex Twin, Squarepusher, Lightning Bolt and Battles. Their work reflects both their electronic background and their rock intensity. Although they begin with improvisation, they later move towards more formal composition, with Rogerson writing parts carefully on manuscript paper.

Early recordings and performances

Their first five-track EP is recorded with Gordon Raphael, who produces the first two Strokes albums. Raphael sees the band at a house party and offers to record them for free at his place in Berlin. The resulting EP captures the group’s early approach, balancing spontaneity with structured writing.

After forming, the band begins writing and recording five songs, each titled simply with a number. Their progress is quick, and their third gig takes place at Reading Festival.