The sonic invention---fast-cuts between moods and styles, washy layers of aural colours--never gets in the way of the songs and the result is a triumph. [Nov 2019, p.116]
It may seem like a backtrack after the experimental nature of Volcano; really it's more like they are heartily reclaiming and celebrating the sound that made them one of the more exciting psychedelic bands of their time.
Hot Motion’s only pitfall comes from frankly how safe it feels. Sure, it’s bigger and brighter than anything Temples have done before, but its whole aesthetic is still nestled deep in their sepia-tinted comfort zone. ... Nevertheless, it’s a solid statement that Temples are alive and kicking, drawing fresh inspo from the past without fading into it themselves.
Most of these songs feel like a collection of unused material from their last two album sessions that really should’ve just been scrapped. It all seems phoned-in and apart from the singles, the rest of the tracks shouldn’t even suffice as b-sides. You’ll find yourself returning to exactly three songs, and in a tracklist of 11, they’re completely outgunned and overshadowed.
It's frustrating to hear them bringing so much to material that doesn't quite coalesce, it's something like listening to holograms of actual songs. [Jan 2020, p.85]
Temples are clearly skilled technicians; they probably could’ve produced this record in their sleep. What’s frustrating is that the project begins and ends at talent. These songs are hollow; you could listen to Hot Motion half a dozen times and feel nothing.
Probably Hot Motion is better than Sun Structures but this is very hard to say because we all know that Sun Structures is one of the bestProbably Hot Motion is better than Sun Structures but this is very hard to say because we all know that Sun Structures is one of the best albums of this decade.
Hot Motion seems to be the perfect combination between their first one and Volcano, more similar to Sun Structures but it’s still different, a very powerful sound in guitars, bass line and drums but not only that, Temples guys have always combined many elements in their music like psychedelic rock, progressive rock, Art Rock and this time the new album is not the exception, I can find all these sounds in Hot Motion, britpop atmospheres and classical music too, something very complex and with a certain nostalgia for the past but Temples are like this, very complex and slightly eccentric musicians which is reflected in their music but this a very good thing, what can be more perfect than this combination? real artists doing true art for the world, something that is greatly appreciated in these our times, we need intelligent music and art.
Musically this album is perfection, that power in all songs, It's like a red tide that doesn’t stop and sweeps everything to transform souls positively and when all people can understand this everybody will have woken up. Lyrically Hot Motion is very inspiring, poetic and metaphorical lyrics but at the same time they’re very direct too and I wonder if everybody can understand the messages, they’re very clear on these eleven songs and for the people who are waiting for lighting this can come at any time with James’s voice, the sweet voice of an angel who wants to transform minds and hearts, lyrics should always be like this and this is what Temples have to say to the world, we’ve received the message, it’s time for a change, It’s the promise of a promising future. very proud of these guys, congrats for this masterpiece. You’re changing lives ☥…Expand
Hmmm, Hot Motion... I want to like Temples more than I do. The slide since Sun Structures maybe gradual, but it's definitely there. I read theHmmm, Hot Motion... I want to like Temples more than I do. The slide since Sun Structures maybe gradual, but it's definitely there. I read the reviews before I listened and I'm kind of in agreement, it feels like it was written on auto pilot for the most. I couldn't find any hooks at all in the first 6 songs, all the "singles" (do such things even exist any longer?) passed without a tap of the foot. Then... "Not Quite The Same" comes along with its loping bass line and I'm suddenly paying attention. It's not that it's anywhere near "Keep in the Dark" or "Roman God Like Man" but it's a start. On to "Atomize" with its Donovanesque nod, and again i'm intrigued, until it stupidly blows itself apart into a thrash fest and dull outro. If only... Anyway "It's all Coming Out" again hits the spot straight after. Burt Bacharach motifs and hooks aplenty here with some lovely fuzz bass and the score rises again. "Step Down" with it's punchy melody comes on strong next and again it reminds me why I want to love Temples. It's nearly great psychedelic pop, and that is the frustration. It all ends with Monuments, which wraps all the previous inspirations into the one song (defo more BB here) and a great hooking refrain which takes the stylus back to the rest. I'm as confused as the band, they have the germ of greatness within them, but it's a bugger to get to.…Expand
