Artist Of The Week: Temples

The '60s-esque neo-psych explosion which has rapidly and unprecedentedly garnered momentum within Britain's underground scene is propelled by the likes of psychedelic acts such as today's post's titular band, Temples. Sporting Marc Bolan-esque crops in homage to their glittering reverb-heavy late-'60s/early-'70s sound, the Northamptonshire-hailing four-piece have dazzled listeners both metaphorically and literally with their delightfully kaleidoscopic sound and equally vibrant music video for 'Colours To Life'. Nostalgic and dream-like in tone, there's no question as to why the psych-revivalists have been tipped, particularly in the wake of releases such as Tame Impala's 'Lonerism', rife with dreamy distorted riffs and equally trip-reflective electronic vibrancy, most definitely advocates for the modern era's rejuvenation of the ever-colourful genre. Success can be the only option then for Kettering's finest, surely?

Comprising James Bagshaw (lead vocals/guitar), Thomas Warmsley (bass/backing vocals), Sam Toms (drums) and Adam Smith (keyboard), the ostentatiously-dressed neo-psych outfit encompass a myriad of styles and influences in their handful of pre-album songs released so far. Channelling a young, shy and fresh-faced Marc Bolan in live performances (not solely from a haircut perspective but aura too), vocalist Bagshaw assuredly and strikingly fronts the sequin-infused glam rock style the band emanate. Team this with a rich and vivid revitalisation of a much-loved Beatles-esque psychedelic sound and you may just have a bunch of future festival headliners. Yes, they're that good at what they do. Fundamentally though, what's refreshing about the ensemble (and necessary to their success) is that they don't simply replicate the 12-string guitar 1960s sound that so many bands strive to capture, but build on it by introducing electronic undertones and a noticeable penchant for multi-hued lyrical psychedelia, as alluded to by Bagshaw:

'Psychedelia has always been there. There's no way of knowing when it's gonna flare up again. But when it does, it's beautiful.'

Having released a smattering of summery tracks, rippling with light harmonies and sonorous easy-flowing riffs, Temples have offered a taster of their glittering retro sound, inspired by their shared love of '60s greats such as The Doors, The Byrds and The Hollies to name but a few. Feel-good vibes aplenty, this passion can indeed be picked up in the Beatles-like hooks of debut single, 'Shelter Song', whereby Bagshaw positively radiates gratuitous youthful frivolity and euphoria, in lines like 'take me away to the twilight zone.' 'Colours To Life' has an almost ethereal quality about it, delicate and beautiful in tone, but fuelled by the tom-driven drum beat which really helps enrapture the listener in a sparkling alternate reality of colour and enchantment. And I'm not just going off on some tangent here, I might add. Psychedelic music's cardinal feature is perhaps its draw and sense of wonder it incites in listeners, and the self-described neo-psychers are no exception to this.

Already having received proverbial pats on the back from the likes of Johnny Marr, Suede and Robert Wyatt, as well as the small matter of supporting The Rolling Stones alongside Palma Violets at their Hyde Park extravaganza earlier this month, the band compromise neither substance nor style in their musical plight, their dreamy, halluciatory vibe surely a catalyst for their acclaim. Even just writing this, my sentences trail off into sparsity as I re-listen to 'Colours To Life' again and again, its early Pink Floyd-style undercurrents prevailing in shaping its trippy, phantasmagoric feel. Temples are currently touring the UK and working on their debut album alongside record label Heavenly Recordings, who manage similar acts, such as the likes of Toy and Doves. With a whole host of inspirations and accolades under their belts already, I have high hopes for their studio debut to be just as 'heavenly' as their record label's name.

Colours To Life - Temples

Shelter Song - Temples