More about: Alfie Templeman

The Bedfordshire bedroom-pop artist has set himself up to be one of most prevalent faces on the indie scene right now. Following an astonishing couple of years with the release of debut EP Happiness In Liquid Form and critically acclaimed ‘mini album’ Forever Isn’t Long Enough, Templeman’s debut long play release was a long time coming, soaring in anticipation. 

Managing to capture the essence of an ample range of genres including indie, funk, electronica and pop rock to create a whole new sonic experience, the 14 unique tracks are sprinkled with Templeman’s signature psychedelic touch, giving birth to a technicolour planet. “It feels like I’m on a different planet. I’ve gone somewhere new and I’m discovering fire for the first time,” Alfie explains.

The swift sonic evolution is admirable: musically he has fathomed multiple ways to break barriers between genres whilst, lyrically, he has constructed a plethora of universes. In every track, Alfie sheds light on his musical influences through his constant wealth of self-discovery, social anxiety and search for inner empowerment. He was also able to call on regular collaborators Tom McFarland (Jungle), Justin Young (The Vaccines), Will Bloomfield, Kieran Shudall (Circa Waves) and Rob Milton to serve something completely unique to listen to. 

Opening track ‘A Western’ serves as the first peek to this technicolour universe with background psychedelic wave synths, groovy riffs and ethereal vocals setting the tone for the rest of the album. Sharing a common groovy sonic thread, ‘Candyfloss’ serves a bright chorus and killer pop synths nailing an almost galaxy-disco vibe, whilst lyrically suggesting that life can sometimes appear too good to be true: “There’s always a downside to the cool shit. Candyfloss is what it all appears to be until you get deeper into it” explains the singer. 

‘Broken’ and ‘Do It’ are vulnerable confessionals disguised in upbeat electronica and polished vocals, rich with sheer scenes of self-reflection and mental health discourse that showcase Alfie’s knack for poignant lyricism: "Every minute feels lifeless. Sat here contemplating everything, can’t figure it out. In a funk for life and everybody hates me. Save me."

Latest release ‘Colour Me Blue' sounds fun and gritty with a jaunty ear-worm chorus, whereas successor ‘Galaxy’ instantly hooks listener’s attention with its enticing intro that’s equally nostalgic and fresh as its immersive lyrical side: "Sometimes I go quiet as I wonder why we’d want to go back on the map (not for me), hide beneath the surface and go under the thunder, lightning striking right across the gap". 

‘Just Below The Above’ is the epilogue of the Mellow Moon chapter and introduces a completely unexpected side to his groovy psychedelic sound. Slow, gentle, raw and full of melancholy, Alfie’s confessional narrative is his well deserved and much anticipated inner catharsis as he croons "I found peace at last in my head. Now I’m strong. So long, so long, so long". 

Unafraid to push boundaries and unphased by industry pressures, this collection of tracks is packed with chunky bass and layers upon layers of atmospheric electronica that has compacted into a solid nuanced foundation for Alfie to grow and build upon as he goes forward. Unfiltered and excitingly immersive is Alfie’s debut album, Mellow Moon. 

Mellow Moon arrives 27 May via Chess Club Records.

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More about: Alfie Templeman