Sun Structures
by Temples
Metascore
70

Generally favorable reviews - based on 27 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 27
  3. Negative: 0 out of 27
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  1. Clash Music
    Feb 12, 2014
    90
    It’s the sound of ‘60s experimentation smashed stunningly into the present day.
  2. Exclaim
    Feb 7, 2014
    90
    Sun Structures is a simply wonderful record.
  3. musicOMH.com
    Feb 4, 2014
    90
    Sun Structures is a compelling listen throughout its 55 minutes, holding together perfectly as a whole with strong tracks dotted throughout.
  5. Under The Radar
    Feb 12, 2014
    80
    Temples may not be about to win any awards for Most Groundbreaking Sound, but they channel their influences so skillfully, and have such a good ear for a melody, that it's almost impossible not to fall for them. A supremely confident and delightful debut.
  6. New Musical Express (NME)
    Feb 10, 2014
    80
    Bagshaw’s tendency to spout arcane guff about the Odyssey, desert rituals, buried crystals and dancing on the stones is pure hippy mimicry. Sonically, though, this is a fresh and energised ’60s homage.
  7. AllMusic
    Feb 10, 2014
    80
    Sun Structures is an impressive debut that would be legendary now if it had been released in 1967; in 2014 it's merely the best psych pop around.
  8. The Quietus
    Feb 10, 2014
    80
    Temples then. A bit retro--check. Noel Gallagher and Johnny Marr likes them--check. Singer has amazing hair--check. A debut album chock full of references to their sources, but elegantly reformed and futureproofed--check.
  9. NOW Magazine
    Feb 6, 2014
    80
    The songwriting is outstanding: striking and smart, concise and full, and James Bagshaw sings superbly throughout.
  10. The Line of Best Fit
    Feb 5, 2014
    80
    Sun Structures is a bold, muscular record.
  11. DIY Magazine
    Feb 5, 2014
    80
    Like the heady themes on Sun Structures, Temples appear to be a group still ascending to a brighter sphere.
  12. Uncut
    Feb 4, 2014
    80
    Tremendous stuff. [Mar 2014, p.83]
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  13. The 405
    Feb 4, 2014
    80
    A brilliant debut for Temples.
  14. Pretty Much Amazing
    Feb 14, 2014
    75
    It’s light, jangly, and just right for the summer at the end of this wintry tunnel.
  15. Absolute Punk (Staff reviews)
    Feb 12, 2014
    75
    Temples are a promising band that definitely has a great record--or perhaps several--in them, but this one isn’t quite it. It certainly does make for a colorful and fun listen though, so just unplug and enjoy the ride.
  16. No Ripcord
    Feb 10, 2014
    70
    They just haven’t quite found the necessary depth to separate their clinical precision, an incredible feat considering Bagshaw concocted most of Sun Structures with bassist Tom Warmsley in his own bedroom.
  17. Classic Rock Magazine
    Feb 4, 2014
    70
    Smart enough to avoid slavish imitation, Temples already sound strong enough to breathe new life into old forms. [Mar 2014, p.101]
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User Reviews

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User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 59 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 54 out of 59
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 59
  3. Negative: 1 out of 59
  1. Scooter4849
    Apr 23, 2014
    5
    The Temples show some pretty good appreciation and a attempt at psychedelic Rock and Pop here, but the band really fails to deliver anyThe Temples show some pretty good appreciation and a attempt at psychedelic Rock and Pop here, but the band really fails to deliver any interesting instrumentation, performances or ideas. I'd recommend sticking with Tame Impala for your psychedelia fix. Middle of the road overall.… Full Review »
  2. turtleseyes
    Feb 20, 2016
    10
    This album is definitely a grower. Temples delivered a truly creative and inspirational album. Ive been listening to it for a month and stillThis album is definitely a grower. Temples delivered a truly creative and inspirational album. Ive been listening to it for a month and still find me amused by it every time it ends. This is both inventive and retrospective at the same time. I truly recommend this to anyone who like 60s psych sound with a fresh take.… Full Review »
  3. jotaeseche
    Dec 16, 2014
    10
    Yes, they may be bringing several (sometimes too many) elements from the past, and they may sound a bit unoriginal at a first glance, but takeYes, they may be bringing several (sometimes too many) elements from the past, and they may sound a bit unoriginal at a first glance, but take the time to listen to this album another time and you will find a rather mesmerising and outstanding record that can easily be compared to Lonerism by Tame Impala (both sounding very influenced and yet modern). And while waiting for the next step this band will follow, all we have to do is to be thankful for bands like Temples that bring back in such a professional way one of the most beautiful genres of all times: psychedelia.… Full Review »
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