Sun Structures cover

Sun Structures

Temples · 2014

52 min · 12 tracks · psychedelic rock

A kaleidoscopic blend of shimmering guitars and hypnotic rhythms that evoke the essence of 1960s psychedelia.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Shelter Song — Opening the album with an infectious melody and jangly guitars, this track effectively sets the tone for the psychedelic journey ahead.
  • →
    Colours to Life — This track showcases Temples’ ability to weave intricate melodies with rich harmonies, embodying the vibrant spirit of their sound.
  • →
    Keep in the Dark — With its driving rhythm and catchy chorus, this song highlights the band's knack for crafting earworms that resonate with a modern audience while drawing from classic influences.
  • →
    Mesmerise — Here, Temples explore dreamy soundscapes and layered production, creating an immersive listening experience that exemplifies their artistic vision.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong songwriting and lush production, though it leans on established psychedelic tropes.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a strong mid-tempo track, followed by a series of songs that maintain a consistent psychedelic vibe throughout.
  • Several tracks feature layered harmonies and intertwining guitar lines, creating a dense, immersive soundscape.
  • The last three tracks gradually shift to more experimental sounds, incorporating varied textures and rhythms that diverge from the earlier material.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • hypnotic rhythms for daydreaming
  • kaleidoscopic soundscapes for exploration
  • sun-drenched vibes for relaxation
  • captivating melodies for introspection
  • uplifting energy for creative tasks

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer straightforward song structures
  • seek immediate emotional impact

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in early 2014, Sun Structures is Temples' debut album, marking their entry into the psychedelic rock scene. The band had garnered attention with their early singles, leading to significant anticipation for this full-length offering.
Stylistic neighbors
Tame Impala· MGMT· Pond

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Shelter Song 3:11
  • 2 Sun Structures 5:13
  • 3 The Golden Throne 4:11
  • 4 Keep in the Dark 4:37
  • 5 Mesmerise 3:42
  • 6 Move With the Season 5:11
  • 7 Colours to Life 5:11
  • 8 A Question Isn't Answered 5:12
  • 9 The Guesser 4:07
  • 10 Test of Time 3:53
  • 11 Sand Dance 6:31
  • 12 Fragment's Light 1:57

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata