Tempalay

Tunes for the horizontal afternoon

Saitama-based three-piece Tempalay opened up the final night at the Rookie stage with 30 mins of psychaedelic rock, beginning with a “la la la” from vocalist Ryoto, whose remarkably high voice is the only thing about this live performance I would say probably sounds better on CD with a bit of softening up. The down-tempo, bass-driven sound had the spaced-out vibe you need for this kind of rock, but occasionally went a bit more stoner with crunchy, distorted moments that provided a aural kick, just to bring you back from the dreamier side of things.

Fuzzy bass growls and animal shrieks were the more unusual side of the band, but the set was predominantly so chilled out it was horizontal and would have been much more suited to a lazy Sunday afternoon reclining on the grass up at the Gypsy Avalon stage. In their final number, the pace picked up, almost as though the band were going to drag you out the dreamy fug they’d suspended you in, and their crowd of fans down the front started leaping up and down excitedly as Ryoto broke in some uncharacteristic yelling.

A nice solid set from a band who would definitely suit a sunnier spot than 11pm on the Rookie Stage. Maybe next year they’ll get the chance?