Temples

In the past few years, dubious band revivals, mediocre pop and generally under-whelming indie bands seem to have been worryingly rife - so the arrival of Temples' neo-psychedelic rock via their 2012 debut "Sun Structures" made a refreshing and welcome change. Just over two years on and the band have released their second record, "Volcano" - unfortunately, however, this time it isn't so much a case of music to your ears.

Where "Sun Structures'" lead single, "Shelter Song" offered a swirling medley of twangy electric guitars, mesmerising drum beats, tambourines and smooth vocals that any band in the 60s would have been proud to put their name to, "Certainty", the first release off this record, sets the tone for a more rock-based direction. The opening grinding, thumping beats lead into a cacophony of wavering synth chords, which are interspersed and blended throughout the remainder of the track. Singer James Bagshaw's vocals are higher this time round and the lyrics somewhat less indecipherable, which aids in creating a hypnotic feel. However, where "Shelter Song" was the precursor for 11 enchanting tracks that synced well together and each possessed solid foundations, the same cannot be said for the 11 songs that follow on here.

While they all comprise the layering of different sounds that defines the psychedelic genre and makes it so distinctive, here it's done to such an extent that it feels as if the band are just trying to pack as much in as they possibly can - and the result is a bit of a mess. "All Join In" features pacing verses punctuated with pulsating drum hooks that suddenly switch to slower, higher pitched instrumentals and heady vocals that make you feel as if you're in a hazy trance; while "I Want To Be Your Mirror" features a jarring stop-start pace and instrumentals that flit between pulverising, deep electro pulses, heady and pitchy guitar riffs, along with patches of slower, folk-esque vocals. By the time the listener makes it through to the speedy synths and airy vocals of "Open Air" and the disarrayed, skipping tones of "Mystery Of Pop", you don't know whether you're coming or going - not an issue if we were all still in a LSD-fuelled haze at Woodstock, but those days are definitely over.

Continue reading: Temples - Volcano Album Review

Here we go, here we go! Leeds Festival 2014, yet only half of us have scored a return ticket from the headaches and hangovers of last year's epic line-up. Each and every year, thousands of people across the social spectrum and across the UK flock to the fields of Leeds for what they know is THE music event of the year. Of course, catering to the masses is no easy feat but with ten stages all rigged up, this machine, emblem of the north, once again raises its flags way up heavens bound.Moving from Temple Newsam a few years back now, LF has really made itself at home within the colossal 1,235 acre grounds of Bramham park. Returning bands themselves (or the newcomers for that matter), facing glorious deja-vu on approach to the site if not already attended as rowdy teens, are in for a real good show.

With the festival being such an icon and in itself evolving in sheer mass and motor each year, it's understandably hard to really get a good hold-down on the lineup. With time clashes, mud, bar queues and a serious lack of phone battery, it's only fair we deal out a helping hand of this year's 'Not To Be Missed' sets to make festival life a little easier.

In no preferential order at all.

Continue reading: Leeds Festival 2014 - Preview

A night in Birmingham normally ends up being a good night, even more so if you are down at the Hare and Hound for a gig. This pub is full to the rafters tonight with a uni-cycle act currently on upstairs in one of the rooms, a pub quiz going on in another and the main room filling up with people looking forward to seeing Temples in what is a sell-out show. This pub is a gem in itself and from previous experiences the room where the music shows are is brilliant bringing up the subject that this venue should surely be given a go in the Jack Daniels bid to find the best small venues in the UK.

Tonight is a night where you are actually thankful that the main act are not coming on until 10 because it is still warm outside and the beers are flowing adding to what should be good show. The venue has its reputation of good sound quality and the hype surrounding Temples is ever increasing and expectations are high.

'Sun Structure' starts the night and straight away with an infectious sound of the 60s and what adds to the atmosphere are the smoke machines blowing all over the band. The band sound awesome but the crowd seem subdued and not really up for it. 

Continue reading: Temples - Hare & Hound Birmingham June 2013 Live Review 2013