Templeton Pek – ‘New Horizons’ – A Reflection On Another Birmingham Broadside
Templeton Pek – Birmingham, England, United Kingdom.
– Photo by Kris Andrew Askey
I’ve had Birmingham lot, Templeton Pek, in my lugholes for yonks now. And now, stereotypical English slang aside, it is finally time for some words on the band’s fourth full-length, New Horizons.
The band’s sound has always moved between fast-to- mid-paced melodic Punk-Rock, and the faster, more furious, Melodic Hardcore combined with a slight Post-Hardcore twang on the guitar-work, further infused by chunky Alternative Rock riffage. And all that’s simply in a nutshell.
And they’ve already acquired an impressive live résumé, supporting the likes of – deep breath – Sum 41, Rise Against, Bad Religion, NOFX, Lagwagon, Alkaline Trio, Pennywise, Millencolin, Zebrahead and No Use For A Name.
Track two was the first shot fired:
Ballad-like tracks that soar well into the stratosphere! Those familiar orchestral elements that have featured throughout the band’s past recorded works rear their pretty heads in ‘Skylines’, a melodic, slow-to-mid-paced number, with the band’s trademark huge choruses standing tall.
‘Fractures’ demonstrates some incredible talent within the early instrumentals, before throwing you into something Rise Against would struggle to top in both rhythm and melody, with Templeton Pek’s fast Punk taking over for the most part, before strong vocal melodies and chunky break-downs play you out.
‘Damage Control’ and ‘One More Enemy’ provide some of the more memorable choruses from the album. Rock-like numbers, but not without the Punk-isms. And ‘Head Count’ is another banger in this vein. The band’s Rock-like sensibilities mix with an upbeat Skate Punk chorus that makes for some very satisfying listening.
‘Lost On You’, ‘Smoke and Mirrors’ and ‘Broken Lines’ showcase the band’s Punk-Rock genetics and, in particular, guitarist Kev’s melodies and sound-ripping solos, vocalist Neil’s far reaching vocal notes and drummer Jon’s chaotic beat holding the entire thing down.
The best of the up-tempo on this release comes in the form of track ten, however. ‘Last Salute’ boosts a dirty old-school Hardcore intro, before furious speed in the same vein kicks in. Then it moves to a more melodic chorus – but only slightly – before dearest Kev and his guitar have a little play before a whirling crescendo takes centre stage.
Templeton Pek throw down melodic Punk assaults in a manner that would get the likes of Bad Religion, Pennywise and Good Riddance a little hot under collar. ‘Broken Lines’ in particular, has that mid-to-late Rise Against feel to it, but with Bad Religion-esque overtones within it’s vocal melodies.
New Horizons is the sound of a band comfortable to move where the wind takes them, but by all means, they’re also a band that knows their way around their influences.
The Punky bits are Punkier, the Rocky bits are Rockier and in general, the band’s gargantuan melodies, fast rhythms, soaring vocals and honest Punk-Rock spirit are clearly going to carry them places. It’s good to see a band on one of the many branches of the “Punk tree” checking out the rest of the forest.
Check out the brand new video for ‘Fractures’, below:
Whether you or your mates are all over modern Rock, modern Punk, somewhere in between or just need something solid from the UK scene, these Brummy lads are the perfect prescription.
Find the band and their music via the following direct links and info:
- Find the band on Facebook – Here, Twitter – Here and their Official Website – Here.
- This release is available from their website, as well as on iTunes, Google Play and Amazon for CD and Digital (Links for which are on their website).
- The band’s YouTube Channel has all the visual needs at hand – Here.
- All of the band’s music can also be found on Spotify.
#StayFresh
