The Current

Great Music Lives Here ®
Listener-Supported Music
Donate Now
Live From The Current Studio

Temples perform songs off 'Volcano' in The Current studio

James Bagshaw of Temples performing live in The Current studio
James Bagshaw of Temples performing live in The Current studioMPR / Leah Garaas
  Play Now [16:58]

by Mac Wilson and Temples

March 03, 2017

Temples - Certainty (Live on The Current)
by MPR
Temples - Roman God-Like Man (Live on The Current)
by MPR
Temples - Strange or Be Forgotten (Live on The Current)
by MPR

"We had a moment of questioning whether we could still write songs," says Temples' James Bagshaw. "I think that happens to anyone who cares about what they do."

With today's release of their sophomore album Volcano, Nottingham's Temples — James Bagshaw (vocals/guitar), Tom Walmsley (bass), Sam Toms (drums) and Adam Smith (guitar/keys) — stopped by The Current to chat with host Mac Wilson and to perform new songs live in-studio.

Temples may have struggled with songwriting after a long tour supporting Sun Structures, but everything came together over the last year.

"When we finished touring, you have to go into studio mode and songwriting mode, so it took a while to readjust," says Bagshaw. "We've written better songs than the first record [Sun Structures], so we've succeeded as far as where we're standing."

The response to songs off Volcano has been tremendous. During live performances, Temples will often extend recorded versions of songs by 10 minutes. While tracks on the album have direct punch, Temples' live show is a unique experience.

Volcano is certainly sounds like a Temples album, but aesthetic was more of an afterthought. This time around, subject matter was more of an influence, especially on tracks like "Roman God-Like Man."

Songs Performed

"Certainty"
"Roman God-Like Man"
"Strange Or Be Forgotten"

All songs off Temples' album Volcano, out now via Fat Possum.

Hosted by Mac Wilson
Produced by Derrick Stevens
Engineered by Mike DeMark
Visuals by Leah Garaas
Web feature by Leah Garaas