Introducing #233 - Temples of Youth
Southampton trio Temples of Youth recntly released their new single ‘Keen to Be Clean’. We caught up with the band to find a bit more about them.
Meeting your band through an advert seems to be something of an old school way to go about things, yet that’s exactly what happened with Southampton’s Temples of Youth. It’s a fitting genesis however, for a band who have always done things on their own terms.
Having cut their teeth in previous acts, Jo Carson and Paul Gumma decided with Temples of Youth, they were going to do things in a much more DIY fashion. As such Paul learnt to play bass, as well as record and produce, whilst Jo took on the role of marketing and focussed on getting the band some crucial early shows. This led to them playing Victorious Festival, The Great Escape and Blissfields as a duo.
Their latest single ‘Keen to be Clean’ looks set to do much the same. Three minutes of off-kilter post-punk and ‘90s cynicism, the track is about moral decline, alienation and growing old disgracefully.
Hey Temples of Youth - how are you? You've just released your new single - how does it feel to have it out there in the world?
Paul: it feels great. I was unsure how people would react to it as it’s a little different for us but people seem to like it. We’ve had some very nice feedback.
It is called ‘Keen to Be Clean’. Can you tell us what it's about?
Paul: well, the way we have described it is that it’s about moral decline, alienation and growing old disgracefully but people can take their own meaning from it really.
You are based in Southampton - what are your favourite things to do there? Where do you go for adventures?
Paul: I go to Cornwall for adventures. Sorry Southampton.
Jo: Haha – my favourite places to go in Southampton are the John Hansard Gallery, Heartbreakers music venue and Harbour Lights Picturehouse. I like visiting London and Brighton.
What are the key influences in your music?
Paul: I would say bands like Cocteau Twins, Beach House, The Beach Boys and lots of obscure US indie music.
Jo: I agree. I think for me personally with my lyrics I’m inspired by Joni Mitchell and Florence Welch. Bands like Dry Cleaning and Wet Leg have encouraged me to take more risks and try new things.
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never listened to your music before?
Paul: Like being kissed by a dolphin.
