Standout album of the month

30 April 2023

Band: TEMPLES
Who: Glam and glitter popsmiths
from Kettering, England formed in 2012 by
charismatic frontman James Bagshaw and
bassist Tom Walmsle.
Active: Since 2012 / 4 LPs (new one included)

New album: EXOTICO

Clash Magazine says: “Indie rockers Temples demonstrate an illustrious way forward for traditional guitar music. Taking place in a mystical, dream-like utopia, this supremely ambitious sixteen track presentation is the broadest, most eclectic palette of sound yet to be released by the neo-psychedelic, alternative ensemble. There are no bounds. ‘Exotico’ let’s go of control, so remarkable things can happen. It’s the closest Temples have been to releasing a masterpiece, and that’s saying something.” Full review here. Score: 8/10.

(Photo by Turn Up The Volume)

TUTV: I became a Temples fan since their 2014 debut album Sun Structures. A psych
retro pop record sounding like 5-star sonic sugar. But the weirdest thing happened now with this new longplayer. I was really disappointed after my first listen. It all (16 tracks) sounded too mellow, too laid-back, too familiar, and too much.

But being a fan I didn’t want to quit on them and I had several spins thereafter.
At one point it felt like my ears made sense of it all, helped by the images of sunny beaches, cocktail bars, and palm trees that popped up on my inner dream screen.

This album grew on me spin after spin. It’s still a mellow, laid-back, and familiar-sounding collection of music. But its sunlit spirit, its vivid vibe, its infectious melodies are SUPREME. Let your thoughts ignore reality and drift away in your happy-go-lucky cocoon. Top-tier, top-tier record, their best so far, hands down.

Singles/clips: Afterlife / Cicada / Gamma Rays

– AFTERLIFE –

– CICADA –

– GAMMA RAYS –

FULL ALBUM

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