Temples release 'Bliss': a reinvention that disappoints fans of British psychedelic rock

After a decade consolidating its name in the British psychedelic rock scene, the band Temples returns with its fifth album, "Bliss", a work that surprises not for its innovation, but for the controversial choice to abandon its musical roots in search of a new sound. Known for their debut "Sun Structures", released at a time when the genre was still experiencing its peak, Temples faced inevitable comparisons with Australian Kevin Parker, from Tame Impala, which ended up overshadowing the group's own talent. James Bagshaw, vocalist and main composer, has always stood out for his ability to create captivating melodies and inventive chord progressions, characteristics that marked the band's early work. However, "Bliss" seems to ignore these qualities, presenting a sound that moves away from psychedelia to delve into a sound reminiscent of indie dance from the 2000s, but in an uninspired way and without the energy necessary to win over both old fans and new listeners. Temples' attempt at renewal results in tracks that lack striking melodies and memorable choirs, replaced by digital guitar effects that sound artificial, monotonous beats in 4/4 time and synthesizers that refer to Ministry of Sound's more generic productions, making the album a tiring and unengaging sound experience. The production and mixing also leave something to be desired, with an excessively loud and unrefined sound, which does not emphasize details and ends up making listening uncomfortable. This drastic change in musical direction, far from revitalizing the band's career, seems to reinforce the perception that Temples have lost their way, especially when compared to other artists who move through the same universe, such as Tame Impala himself, who knew how to evolve without abandoning their identity. The track "Megalith" stands out as the album's most positive point, but it's not enough to save the set. "Bliss" is released on June 26, 2026 by the record label V2, with production signed by the band itself. Despite the expectations generated by the reinvention, the album ended up being met with frustration, showing that the search for a more commercial and danceable sound was not the best choice for Temples, who perhaps should have valued more what made them unique in the psychedelic rock scene.