Temples played D.C.'s 9:30 Club tonight and tore through a solid set in largely spectacular fashion. I think the band's strengths were diminished a bit by the loud volume and what sounded like The Zombies and The Moody Blues on the album sounded more like Blue Cheer in spots tonight.
That's not to slight Blue Cheer or Temples but just to acknowledge how much richer some of the melodies seemed on the band's fantastic debut album Sun Structures. The melodies and hooks were still there but just harder to find for a new listener. However, if you went into this show knowing the cuts, you were probably as pleased as I was.
I think the band did all of the album except the last 2 songs. "Colours to Life" and "Shelter Song" were especially good and the crowd seemed really appreciative. Lead singer James Bagshaw seemed genuinely pleased with the audience response even as he acknowledged that the place didn't entirely sell out.
More details about Temples are on their official website here.
Openers Spires were a pleasant surprise. The American band Spires showed real promise by delivering a set of Ride-inspired rockers.
