It’s been three years since the talented group from England dropped their debut Sun Structures, an album that still stands as the gritty pearl of psychedelic pop. It was a brave move to release something that did not have a target group at that time, at least not a stable one. The alternative audience was still hooked on electro or acoustic.
This is the band that made me wonder whether I like psychedelic pop more than psychedelic rock. Although the difference between the two might be more elusive than I believe, Temples’ sophomore record is clearly leaning more towards pop-electro. Contrary to its debut, rock elements are almost nowhere to be found. Volcano makes a leap into pop structures more than it does challenge the psychedelic component of the music expression.
Temples have decided to transform characteristic sonic patterns. Guitar sound is significantly more mellow, and the biggest change comes with the use of synths that are not taking over the dominant role. Such transition sound similar to what Tame Impala did with their album Currents from 2015. Still, Temples are not tempted to cut off their roots, rather willing to skillfully combine the past with the modern trends. The time will show whether this represents breaking into mainstream.
The album is saturated with catchy tunes and intermitent downtempo moments that bring out affectionate facets of the band. It is impossible to stay immune to the infectious melody of the album opener Certainty. All Join In, Open Air and In My Pocket are all gloriously bringing 80s back to life while James Bagshaw entertains us with his falsetto. Born Into The Sunset reminded me of Kasabian, only without artificial euphoria that the band from Laster doesn’t seem to be able to shake off.
Temples take down the tempo in obscure ballade How Would You Like To Go, while layers of orchestration can be heard in Roman God-like Man and Strange or Be Forgotten. Permeable drums conclude this release.
Volcano is an evidence of uninhibited creativity and talent. I believe that we can expect even more delicious desserts from the psychedelic kitchen of these youngsters from UK.
