While Temples’ songwriting and production are thoughtful, the band borrows unabashedly from the cupboard of ’60s chestnuts. The production clearly aims for Spector’s Wall of Sound, but just as often recalls Tame Impala’s contemporary reverb-exotica. The melodies use the snaky half-step slide from a dozen James Bond themes a few times too many. And the band probably owes Marc Bolan’s ghost a beer for the glam-happy “Keep in the Dark.”
Temples’ sound would benefit from a few future-facing elements and a little more irreverence. But they’re ace songsmiths with great ears for a hook. And it’ll be a kick to imagine where a less rigid sense of classicism could lead them next. In the meantime, this is a beautifully melancholy and sugar-sweet trip for anyone who savors lush psychedelic guitar pop.
Must-hear track: “Sun Structures”
Read MoreShow less
