Founded in 2014, and nearly five years after their previous album, the Chilean band Seatemples returns with their third release which looks more like a mini-album.

This new work feels like a natural continuation of their last album, offering a fantastic blend of Shoegaze and Dark-Wave. The sound is perfectly balanced, with guitars and synths complementing each other seamlessly. The synths add an extra melodic dimension that blends beautifully with the dark undertones that permeate the entire production. The work features only five original tracks, along with two remixes. Personally, I find the original compositions to be the most compelling.

While it’s a pity there aren’t more new songs, the potential already evident in their earlier work is more than confirmed here. Seatemples is a band that deserves attention and should not be overlooked. (Rating:8).

Listen to “The Fog”:

About Seatemples

Seatemples is a Chilean band formed in 2014 by Patricio Zenteno and Priscila Ugalde, mixing post-punk, shoegaze, coldwave and gothic rock. “Los Templos Marinos” is the band’s third release, issued through Icy Cold Records on digital, CD and vinyl formats.

Inferno Sound Diaries

I have been working for over 30 years with Side-line as the main reviewer. My taste is eclectic, uncoventional and I prefer to look for the pearls, even if the bands are completely unknown, thus staying loyal to the Side-Line philosophy of nurturing new talents.

www.side-line.com

Genre/Influences: Shoegaze, Post-Punk, Dream-Pop.

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: Seatemples is a Chilean formation active since 2014. Three years later they released the debut album “Down Memory Lane” on Custom Made Music. “Trópicos” was released in 2020, the CD format by Icy Cold Records (France) while there’s also a cassette format released by Blackjack Illuminist (Germany).

Content: The album takes off with a rather evasive piece carried by guitar playing reminding me of the 80s spirit of Dream-Pop and Shoegaze. The songs are diversified, but constantly switching from Dream-Pop to Shoegaze. I also noticed Cold-Wave influences, which are mainly emerging at “Beagle”. Most of the songs have been sung in English, but you’ll also notice several cuts sung in Spanish.

+ + + : Seatemples didn’t spare any effort to get a professional production. Daniel Knowles (known from Amusement Parks On Fire) took care of the mixing while Maurizio Baggio (The Soft Moon, Boy Harsher, Holygram) did the mastering. The global production brings us back to the dark, evasive part of 80s Shoegaze and Dream-Pop. The guitar playing creates this retro sensation, which has been masterly accomplished at different tracks. I also want to mention the cool production of the vocals, featuring male- and female vocals.

– – – : Seatemples released a fully enjoyable album, but unfortunately without a potential hit.

Conclusion: I think there’s something hiding inside this band, which doesn’t totally emerge. Let’s keep an eye on the evolution of Seatemples.

Best songs: “Holograms”, “Beagle”, “Desierto”.

Rate: (7).

Artist: www.facebook.com/seatemples

Label: www.facebook.com/icycoldrecords

About Seatemples

Seatemples is a Chilean band active since 2014. The group released its debut album, “Down Memory Lane”, in 2017 through Custom Made Music.

“Trópicos” followed in 2020, issued on CD by Icy Cold Records in France and on cassette by Blackjack Illuminist in Germany, mixed by Daniel Knowles of Amusement Parks On Fire and mastered by Maurizio Baggio, known for his work with The Soft Moon, Boy Harsher and Holygram.

Inferno Sound Diaries

I have been working for over 30 years with Side-line as the main reviewer. My taste is eclectic, uncoventional and I prefer to look for the pearls, even if the bands are completely unknown, thus staying loyal to the Side-Line philosophy of nurturing new talents.

www.side-line.com