In the face of some heady hype ever since woozy debut single ‘Shelter Song’ first appeared in late 2012, UK neo-psych quartet Temples have taken their time putting out a debut long-player. The result is a work that has feet planted firmly in the past and the present.
The aforementioned ‘Shelter Song’ opens proceedings with a burst of mid-’60s Californian jangle before the title track takes things into a dronier, darker direction. ThroughoutSun Structuresthere are hints of the same sonic territory currently being trodden by the likes of Toy and Tame Impala (‘Mesmerise’ could quite easily pass for the latter). The main point of difference for Temples is that their reverence for the sounds of the ’60s is far more out in the open.
Tracks like ‘The Golden Throne’ and ‘Move With The Season’ are seeped in the luscious pastoral psychedelia of bands like Traffic and early Yes, while ‘The Guesser’ evokes the haunting autumnal shimmer of The Zombies.
The syrupy sweet melodies that radiate out of the speakers are what makeSun Structuresmore than just an homage and an ideal soundtrack to the dying days of summer.
3.5 stars
Sun Structures out now on Heavenly/[PIAS]
