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. Austin Chronicle
    May 1, 2014
    50
    The album's second half gets weighed down with too many overlong songs that wander into the weeds.
  2. Blurt Magazine
    Mar 12, 2014
    60
    Temples aren’t reinventing anything here so much as adding a distinctly British twist to well-trodden ground.
  3. Q Magazine
    Feb 14, 2014
    60
    What Sun Structures lacks is a bit of fire in its belly. [Mar 2014, p.109]
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  5. Pretty Much Amazing
    Feb 14, 2014
    75
    It’s light, jangly, and just right for the summer at the end of this wintry tunnel.
  6. PopMatters
    Feb 14, 2014
    60
    The base problem is that Temples’ narrow sonic pallet holds them back from being exciting rather than just being good. For now they’re a fun, talented, and faceless rock band.
  7. 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.
  8. Drowned In Sound
    Feb 12, 2014
    50
    Sun Structures is a record made with flair and skill by a band who know exactly what they’re doing--and that’s the problem. Temples are trying so hard to be something else that we lose track of who they actually are.
  9. 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.
  10. Clash Music
    Feb 12, 2014
    90
    It’s the sound of ‘60s experimentation smashed stunningly into the present day.
  11. Pitchfork
    Feb 12, 2014
    55
    When you're operating within a strict template, you have to find some distinctive way to fill it out--a felicitous phrasing here, an unexpected chord change there. Without those elements, there's little on Sun Structures to remind you that you are, in fact, listening to a new band called Temples.
  12. Mojo
    Feb 11, 2014
    60
    At every turn there are moves unarguably adjacent to Revolver, The Zombies, early Byrds, and, in the title track strident harmonies, The Mamas & The Papas.... The tunes throughout, though, are original, and infectious. [Mar 2014, p.94]
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  13. Rolling Stone
    Feb 11, 2014
    60
    What's lacking are the fun and wit of a great Summer of Love 45.
  14. 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.
  15. 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.
  16. 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.
  17. 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.
  18. The Observer (UK)
    Feb 10, 2014
    60
    If it's a familiar trip, it's also a highly entertaining one--not least Sand Dance's sprightly, shamanic caper.
  19. The Independent (UK)
    Feb 7, 2014
    60
    It remains to be seen whether the band can transcend their influences and develop a sound that’s solely theirs.
  20. Exclaim
    Feb 7, 2014
    90
    Sun Structures is a simply wonderful record.
  21. The Guardian
    Feb 6, 2014
    60
    Strangely for a psychedelic band, Temples could do with expanding their minds a little.
  22. NOW Magazine
    Feb 6, 2014
    80
    The songwriting is outstanding: striking and smart, concise and full, and James Bagshaw sings superbly throughout.
  23. The Line of Best Fit
    Feb 5, 2014
    80
    Sun Structures is a bold, muscular record.
  24. 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.
  25. 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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  26. Uncut
    Feb 4, 2014
    80
    Tremendous stuff. [Mar 2014, p.83]
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  27. 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.
  28. The 405
    Feb 4, 2014
    80
    A brilliant debut for Temples.

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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