Temple Grounds

Temple Grounds- Temple Grounds

Temple Grounds have done good. They're actually a result of a rehashing of extinct band Linchpin a couple of years ago, but rather than sounding like a re-badged zombie-creature, they have a really rather fresh sound that's ripe for summer pickings. There is a touch of head scratching when it comes to trying to box their debut into a genre which results in a sense of kicking out in different directions that runs throughout the record.

I couldn't help but hear a distinct similarity between the lead vocals of Joey Cass and those of Mike Duce of Lower Than Atlantis. This is by no means a bad thing, for anyone who's a fan of the saucy little wobble in Mr Duce's voice should realise. Cass' voice is the harmonised kick up the Temple Grounds sound's arse. Don't get me wrong, it's a very lovely arse regardless. Tracks like 'Half Alive' have some scrumptious little funk-laced hooks and 'Tear Down The Sky' has some layers of guitar that induce a mouthwatering effect akin to unveiling a box of Roses at a Weightwatchers meeting.

In terms of influences, the likes of Biffy Clyro and Local Natives have been cited- and you can feel that. The intricacies of the musicality that form the backbone of the record would definitely be pals with Simon Neil on Facebook, and just a little sniff of 'Say It All' does just that in terms of the Local Natives touch- not to mention the little glimpses of dramatic drum-bashing.

For a melody glutton such as I, 'My Way Out' is the stand-out track that gets the gold star. It's a dreamy concoction of truly sexy string plucking and heart-stoppingly rich vocals. Throw in a crashing tumble of a really catchy chorus and you get a firm recommendation to give this lot a listen. A fine first effort from this reconstructed band.