Temples and The Districts excite the Union Transfer crowd

English psychedelic rock band Temples hit the stage at Union Transfer on Saturday night playing to a packed crowd. Touring in support of their debut album Sun Structures, which was released in February, the UK four-piece already has a close following. For such a young group, they have received positive album reviews and praise from respected musicians such as Johnny Marr and Noel Gallagher. Seeming almost sonically out the ‘60’s, I would classify Temples’ music as modernized psych-rock, as they have produced a retro, yet refreshing new sound. The show’s visual effects were minimal and limited to vivid colored lighting and dense fog, which I found appropriate for the band’s hazy, trippy sounds. Throughout the show, frontman James Bagshaw excited fans as he moved to different sides of the stage, often getting very close to the non-barricaded crowd. Many fans couldn’t contain their excitement and were singing, dancing, and cheering along to the songs during the psych rockers’ entire set.

Hometown favorites The Districts, from Lititz, PA, returned to Philly as Temples’ opener. Starting promptly around 7:15 pm, concertgoers were rushed inside the venue to catch The Districts’ set on time. The last time I saw them live was at the XPoNential Music Festival this summer where I was thoroughly impressed with their performance. Like many others, I was looking forward to seeing the group open the show, and they did not disappoint. The intensely energetic foursome successfully revved up the crowd for Temples’ set as they moved around the stage during their entire set while performing songs off their self-titled EP and their debut album, Telephone.

Experience both Temples’ and The Districts’ sets through the photo gallery below.