REVIEW: Temples @ The Sinclair 1/23
By Kelly Pena
Temples took over The Sinclair in Cambridge on January 23rd. The English band consists of members James Bagshaw (vocals & guitar), Thomas Walmsley (bass), Adam Smith (rhythm guitar), and Rens Ottink (drums). The group put on a mesmerizing and cohesive performance of songs from all of their albums with an emphasis on their newest album, Hot Motion.
The band nonchalantly walked on stage and began playing “The Howl.” As an introduction to the show, the selection was rather insubstantial. However, the rest of the show was a progressive build-up that stirred the crowd, compensating for the uneventful start.
The third song of the show, “Sun Structures” began with a remarkably strong and clean intro that demonstrated these guys were well-versed. Before transitioning into their next song, someone from the audience shouted, “play ‘Oh the Saviour’” to which Bagshaw responded with a “maybe” and a sly smile. The small venue provided the basis for intimacy but it was ultimately the audience interactions that characterized the show as intimate and diverting. Walmsley asked the crowd who had been to their first show in Boston and who was seeing them for the first time, making sure to integrate both groups and welcoming them all. From checking in on the people on the balcony to handing people in the crowd guitar picks, the brief breaks between songs were exciting, inclusive, and memorable. The unscripted interactions between the band and the crowd went beyond the clicheés and set this show apart from others.
The guys would move around the stage when they could, which was limited; you can’t do much when you have to simultaneously sing at the mic stand and play an instrument. When James would get closer to the edge of the stage, the audience below him would look up at him with admiration. There were moments where James, Adam, and Thomas would all step back in sync with the music. It happened a few times, but the move was captivating every time. Occasionally the members would turn to each other and play. These gestures were subtle and genuine, nothing about their performance felt forced.
On top of their mannerisms, these guys looked like absolute rockstars. Their clothing style fits their 60s inspired psychedelic music style. Their heeled Chelsea boots, sparkly turtlenecks, and long flared pants were well paired with their long hair that seemed to have a mind of its own. It’s clear the band has their influences but they aren’t just copy and pastes from a different decade. Their style is tailored to them and their interests rather than theatrical purposes.
Other style choices included stage lighting. The lighting seemed to emulate the red, blue, and purple heavy color scheme from their most recent music videos, “You’re Either On Something” and “Hot Motion”. The lighting added to the experience without being painful to look at.
Their encore consisted of two songs from their first album, “Mesmerise” and “A Question Isn’t Answered”. The band members added longer instrumentals which made for an overwhelmingly impressive performance and satisfying end to the show. Stellar instrumentals were also used as smooth transitions, such as when “The Beam” went into “Context”. It was a fresh and innovative way to listen to their music.
Though it wasn’t particularly a show where everyone was singing along to every word, the music was enjoyed by the sea of bobbing heads. Temples manages to put on a chill performance without being boring. Their musical talent, stage presence, and innovative twists are something you have to see live, a recorded video wouldn’t do the experience justice. With the insane amount of skill, dedication, and glamour that Temples exhibits, it is difficult to understand why they are underrated. It’s a show worth attending, it serves as a good time and a great introduction to their music.
