Temples
Biography
In the grand tradition of British psychedelic revivalism, few bands have captured the kaleidoscopic essence of the genre quite like Temples. Emerging from the post-industrial landscape of Kettering, Northamptonshire, this quartet has spent the better part of a decade crafting sonic tapestries that would make even the most seasoned heads of the Summer of Love nod in approval.
The band's genesis can be traced back to 2012, when childhood friends James Bagshaw and Tom Walmsley decided to transform their shared obsession with vintage gear and fuzzed-out frequencies into something tangible. Bagshaw, a multi-instrumentalist with an almost supernatural ability to coax otherworldly sounds from his collection of vintage synthesizers and guitars, joined forces with Walmsley's rhythmic backbone to create the foundation of what would become Temples. The lineup was later completed by bassist Thomas Edison and drummer Rens Ottink, though the band has seen some personnel changes over the years, with Sam Toms eventually taking over drumming duties.
From their earliest recordings, Temples displayed an almost academic devotion to the psychedelic canon while managing to avoid the pitfall of mere pastiche. Their sound draws heavily from the paisley underground movement, channeling the spirit of bands like 13th Floor Elevators and early Pink Floyd, but filtered through a distinctly modern sensibility that owes as much to shoegaze and neo-psychedelia as it does to the original flower power movement.
The band's breakthrough came with their 2014 debut album "Sun Structures," a meticulously crafted collection that announced their arrival with considerable fanfare. The record, produced by the band themselves in their home studio, showcased their ability to create expansive, cinematic soundscapes that felt both nostalgic and refreshingly contemporary. Standout tracks like "Shelter Song" and the title track "Sun Structures" became instant classics in the psych-rock revival scene, with their swirling melodies and Bagshaw's distinctive vocals creating an intoxicating brew that had critics reaching for superlatives.
The album's success was both commercial and critical, reaching number seven on the UK Albums Chart and earning widespread praise from publications ranging from NME to Pitchfork. More importantly, it established Temples as torchbearers for a new generation of psychedelic music, proving that there was still life in the genre beyond mere retro-fetishism.
Their sophomore effort, 2017's "Volcano," saw the band expanding their sonic palette while maintaining their core identity. The album demonstrated a greater confidence in their songwriting abilities, with tracks like "Certainty" and "Strange or Be Forgotten" showcasing a more refined approach to their trademark sound. The record's production was notably cleaner and more polished than its predecessor, reflecting the band's growth as musicians and their increasing comfort in professional studio environments.
2019's "Hot Motion" marked another evolutionary step, with the band incorporating elements of electronic music and dance rhythms into their psychedelic framework. This willingness to experiment and push boundaries has become a hallmark of Temples' approach, ensuring that each release offers something new while remaining unmistakably their own.
Throughout their career, Temples have proven themselves to be formidable live performers, with their concerts becoming immersive experiences that transport audiences into their psychedelic universe. Their use of vintage equipment and carefully crafted visual elements creates a sensory overload that perfectly complements their recorded output. Festival appearances at Glastonbury, Coachella, and numerous other high-profile events have cemented their reputation as one of the most compelling live acts in contemporary rock music.
The band's influence extends beyond their immediate genre, inspiring a new wave of musicians to explore the possibilities of psychedelic music in the 21st century. Their meticulous attention to sonic detail and commitment to analog recording techniques has earned them respect from both purists and newcomers to the scene.
As they continue to evolve and experiment, Temples remain at the forefront of the psychedelic revival movement. Their ability to honor the past while pushing toward the future ensures their relevance in an increasingly crowded musical landscape. In an era where authenticity is often questioned, Temples have managed to create something genuinely original from familiar elements, proving that the spirit of psychedelia is far from exhausted. Their journey from Kettering dreamers to international psych-rock ambassadors stands as testament to the enduring power of vision, dedication, and really good reverb pedals.
