Temples - Castle and Falcon, Birmingham,1/2/2022

  by James Gardner

published: 26 / 4 / 2023

Temples have been around for over a decade delivering both the beautiful in the form of psych pop debut album ‘Sun Structures‘(2012) and the uninspiring with 2019 release ‘Hot Motion’. Now with fourth album ‘Exotico’ set for release in April, intrigued and our appetite wetted by latest single ‘Gamma Rays’, we headed to Birmingham’s The Castle and Falcon to see what the band had in store for us. People will judge a gig based on many aspects, the beer the venue have on tap, the price, the ease in which to get there, how sticky the floors are or perhaps the acoustics. I am adding a new one to the list. If the person working the door is talented enough to be on the stage, then you are probably in for a decent night. As we get our wrist band from Liam of Brainfood and solo project Liamosino fame, we head to the bar hoping we are right. Tonight’s support comes from Zo Lief a dream pop duo from London. Taking to the stage at just after 8pm, there is a sense of tension and nervousness from the pair that disappears by the third track. Now more confident, the delicate and lo-fi sound is joined by vocals that elevate the songs to another level. ‘Fool’, the group’s debut single, produced by Temples very own James Bagshaw, is a genuine pop song with a great hook. Ones to keep an eye on for sure. Temples take to the stage just after 9pm. This being the first night of the tour we would forgive some nerves and rustiness, but instead as they launch into the sunkissed dream of ‘Colour The Night’, the band are anything but sloppy. When I first encountered Temples over a decade ago, I thought they were destined for greatness. Yes, the influences and image had all been played out before, but they had a sense of purpose and adventure. With each release the band have attempted to build on that, and, although not always successful, it can certainly be admired. We are treated to a new track, ‘Cicada’ off the forthcoming Sean Lennon=produced ‘Exotico’. It is a full on pop wonder of catchy riffs and sing-a-long melodies, giving perhaps a glimpse on what to expected from the new album. Whilst their releases have not always hit the spot, there is no doubting the band’s live ability. They are captivating, moving from psych to rock and roll with ease. Their audience will never be one full of people jumping around and crowd-surfing, nor one of beard and chin strokers. More a room full of toe-tapping, head-nodding, half dancing half shuffling people in a dream-like state. ‘Keep in the Dark’ takes us back to those early days. A “slower song” as James puts it, but a fan favourite none the less, the rhythmic and mantra-like lyrics, washing over the jubilant crowd gathered here tonight. Latest single ‘Gamma Ray’ is a song of the juxtapostion found in nature, beauty and danger according to front man James Bagshaw. It effortlessly blends the old Temples with the new more synth style. With Temples there is no unpredictability or the unexpected, but that’s not to say that there isn’t a lot to admire. Their sounds of the 60’s effortlessly blend with nods to Britpop and synth pop. They are tuneful, gentle and the vocals ride above the waves of guitar noise, some distorted some not, but all needed to create the sound. The set closes tonight with three songs off their debut album. The hypnotic and beautiful ;Mesmerise’ gives the feeling of freedom, which the band certainly seem to have, almost childlike expressions of happiness adorning their faces. ‘Golden Song’ is next before the joyous ‘Shelter Song’ closes the night perfectly with the crowd’s faces matching that of those on stage. Photos by Robert Hadley

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