Too Many Temples – Ghost Story (2024)
Serendipity gave a big grin shining down on three lads who happened to meet somewhere beneath the flight path of Heathrow Airport. A trip to a pub near Hounslow “serving gushing pints and the music of Radiohead, The Beatles and Wu-Tang Clan could be heard alluringly…”, and in a few moments, Too Many Temples was born. With a natural talent for sharing stories through intriguing melodies, Ranj, Sarb and Tom effortlessly ensnare a listener’s senses. This is our introduction to Too Many Temples, but the indie-rock trio is already making waves on an international scale.
Taken from their debut EP Soak You In Sunshine, released earlier this year, the single ‘Ghost Story’ breathes life into old-school indie-rock similar to Oasis and Radiohead. Yet, while a lingering 90s indie-rock exists in ‘Ghost Story’, a strong rock ‘n’ roll vibe oozes from the single: a nostalgic breath of life into 70s rock with a contemporary edginess fluttering about. Hinting at ‘Ghost Story’ being the constant in their evolution of sound – “right from being a shouty, adrenaline-fuelled rock ‘n’ roll band into a more evolved outfit who try to craft strong melodies…” – the single slices raw, naïve ruggedness with the maturity of a seasoned band.
Listening to ‘Ghost Story’ is like immersing yourself in a sonic hurricane rushed with searing guitars and pounding drums. Flitting past your eyes and into your ears, the kaleidoscopic wave of rock simultaneously overwhelms you and eggs you with eager frankness. Heady, swarming, swimming with a powerful indie-rock vibe, ‘Ghost Story’ crawls beneath your skin shaking you about. Interestingly, while the rough vocals enhance the breathtaking chaos, they also act as an anchor holding you close as you navigate the flood.
As I mentioned, this is my introduction to Too Many Temples, and they have certainly made an impression. With only one listen of ‘Ghost Story’, you find yourself amused but you can’t stop at just one listen; you must hit repeat. Like a vodka shot with a tequila chaser and one of those gushing pints, ‘Ghost Story’ leaves you astounded in its vibrant wake.
Find out more about Too Many Temples on their official website, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Spotify.
Discover exciting indie-rock tunes on The Other Side Reviews Indie Rock playlist: