The band releases sophomore record Volcano.

Second album syndrome is a known and feared phenomenon in music. It’s said you have your whole life to make a debut, though the pressure of the follow up often leads to a trap of mediocrity. Through the dozen tracks on Temples highly anticipated sophomore Volcano, the Kettering outfit proves themselves to soar high above such expectations of failure. Bringing forth the best elements from their critically acclaimed debut, mixing this with newfound depth, Temples have gifted us a glittering and prolific record, perfectly timed for the spring daze.

As the slamming intro of Certainty guides us into the contemporary dreamscape of Volcano, the eminent features are the same I initially fell in love with, though in a completely different outlook. Creating a bombastic feel, pricing with darker twists and stoic basslines, Certainty certainly proves the bold growth of the record after only a few chords.

Both (I Want To Be Your) Mirror and Born Into A Sunset thrive with effervescent melodies fuelled by spacious guitars and grandiose bass lines as well as the enchanting synth work. The later also sees James Bagshaw’s vocals lure right under the surface, persuading you to delve into the cosmic sonics of the tune.

Such rich almost bourgeoisie melodies can evoke a sense of self-indulgence. Remarkably, Temples still induce as sense of intimate honesty in their soundscape is keeping the listener included in the easily alienating nature of their music.

Dealing with the bigger questions, How Would You Like To Go? uncovers the genius of Temples eloquent lyricism as the word ascends along the creeping expansion of the cut.

Counterpointing the drenching feel of the heavy electronic elements up against soaring organic instrumentation Temples‘ contrasting-play proves a highly attentive eye for details in every aspect of their melodies as well as an inclination to idiosyncratic arrangements.

Volcano provides a flight from the claustrophobic pressure of real life into inner and outer space. Though it has weaker moments like oddball nursery rhyme In My Pocket, the sophomore is outstandingly timeless whilst proving more depth into Temples’ modernist psychedelia.

Roman God-Like Man is a punchy nod to artistic references. Not only drawing allusions to classical roman art, it highlights this in the context of the modern strive for ‘god-like’ perfection.

Volcano manages to harmonise between the lucid and the bombastic moments, often within the space of the same track. Though this is one of the record’s strong point’s it is also demanding. Not being easily comprehensive, Temples don’t sell off with merely catchy hooks and one dimensional songs. The sophistication of Volcano calls for attentive listening, and it will enlighten you.

Rounding off with Strange Or Be Forgotten the intricate layers and glittering instrumentation hold every quality a closer needs. The natural haze within the tune constitutes a dreamlike spell, flourishing with musical exploration and enthusiasm.

With Volcano, Temples had managed to stay true to themselves, giving space for natural growth and reach even further into their spacious dreamscape pulling out the best for us to indulge in. “Art is the space we go when language fails us” it’s said, and Volcano provides the most content and colourful escapism of 2017.