Volcano cover

Volcano

Temples · 2017

48 min · 12 tracks · psychedelic rock

A kaleidoscopic blend of vintage psychedelia and modern rock, echoing the sun-drenched soundscapes of the late '60s.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Certainty — Opening with an infectious groove, this track sets the tone for the album's exploration of existential themes through vibrant melodies.
  • →
    I Wanna Be Your Mirror — This standout track features lush harmonies and a reflective lyricism that encapsulates longing and connection, resonating deeply within the album's narrative.
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    Born Into the Sunset — With its mesmerizing guitar riffs and introspective lyrics, this song captures a sense of both nostalgia and hope, representing the album's emotional core.
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    Open Air — The dreamy instrumentation and evocative imagery create an immersive experience, effectively showcasing Temples' ability to transport listeners to otherworldly realms.

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

Temples' 'Volcano' showcases strong songwriting and lush production but remains somewhat conventional within its genre.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks feature layered harmonies and rich instrumentation, establishing a vibrant sonic palette that persists throughout.
  • The album closes with two tracks that gradually decrease in tempo, allowing for a reflective conclusion.
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 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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

  • sun-drenched afternoon vibes
  • playful sing-along moments
  • kaleidoscopic sonic exploration
  • invigorating group listening experience

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer straightforward song structures
  • seek immediate emotional impact

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on March 3, 2017, 'Volcano' is Temples' sophomore album, following their well-received debut 'Sun Structures' in 2014. The band built on their initial success with a more expansive sound and deeper lyrical themes, solidifying their place in the contemporary psychedelic rock scene.
Stylistic neighbors
Tame Impala· MGMT· Pond

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • I Wanna Be Your Mirror

    The lyrics shift from uncertainty to an earnest plea for connection feels like a turning point in the song's emotional arc.

    This transition enhances the intimacy of the track, drawing listeners into a personal revelation that contrasts with earlier hesitations.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Certainty 4:24
  • 2 All Join In 4:02
  • 3 I Wanna Be Your Mirror 4:46
  • 4 Oh! The Saviour 3:46
  • 5 Born Into the Sunset 4:46
  • 6 How Would You Like to Go? 3:34
  • 7 Open Air 4:47
  • 8 In My Pocket 3:03
  • 9 Celebration 4:20
  • 10 Mystery of Pop 3:25
  • 11 Roman God-Like Man 3:39
  • 12 Strange or Be Forgotten 4:07

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata