Temples returns to San Francisco for a stop at Great American Music Hall

Thursday night at Great American Music Hall in San Francisco had a fantastic lineup featuring Temples on their headlining tour in support of their new album, Exotico. The night kicked off with Post Animal with a spectacular psychedelic progressive rock set. You can check out our photo gallery here.

Temples was up next and I glanced around the audience and it was warming to see such a diverse crowd, all there for the pure love of music. Temples delivered an eclectic and electrifying set. The confidence and precision playing of their psych-rock created a flow through their songs that held the crowd captive. Each song ended with an eruption of applause as if they were receiving a much needed dose of mental healing. The 60’s/70’s inspired vibe was infectious as you felt yourself drifting away to immerse yourself in a nostalgic realm. It was rewarding to look around the venue and see only a handful of phones in the air. You could tell the crowd wanted to fully drink in the magical elixer of a Temples live show.

Temples is James Bagshaw (guitar, vocals) Thomas Walmsley (bass guitar, backing vocals), Adam Smith (keyboards, rhythm guitar, backing vocals), and Rens Ottink (drums and percussion). When these four play, they are so fluid and create such a cohesive performance. It is apparent with their stage presence, they play off each other and the energy of the crowd, and the crowd gladly reciprocates with adoration and even a fun loving mosh pit for Hot Motion. In addition to the awe dropping collection of guitars used throughout the night, we have to give a big nod to their 60’s-70’s inspired attire and style, even the lighting was spot on with a psychadelic vibe. The ethereal magic of the Afterlife performance is one I will not soon forget. It was an impressive performance that I hope you can enjoy in person.

For now, put on their latest album, Exotico and check out photos from their set by our Rockin Ryan:

Their latest album Exotico, produced by Sean Ono Lennon and mixed by GRAMMY® Award-winner Dave Fridmann (The Flaming Lips, Mercury Rev, MGMT. You can stream/buy the new album HERE.

In addition, we picked up some cool merch which included their Exotico vinyl, cool shirt, a pin, patch & poster. I can’t say it enough, when you head out to enjoy live music and love the set, pick up some merch from the them. It is the best way to support a band and you will end up with a closet full of great memories of concerts past.