Posted by Alfie Templeman’s new project ‘Forever Isn’t Long Enough’ is an eight track mini album jam-packed with energy.
Having already crafted four EPs to his name, this 18-year-old artist is unstoppable. Drawing inspiration from jazz greats John McLaughlin and Miles Davis to The Weeknd and Harry Styles, the album merges a variety of genres. Indie pop shines on the surface level but Templeman’s jazz and funk influences are utterly present too. This is demonstrated through an old romanticism which will make the fans swoon.
The album opens up with a bang, ‘Shady’ produced by Tom McFarland of Mercury Prize-shortlisted collective, Jungle, is bursting with killer guitar riffs and an insanely hooky chorus. To open an album with this much vigour, any listener will be assured that the rest of the seven tracks shall fulfil expectations. In the middle of the album is a lovelorn map of a broken heart in ‘Wait, I Lied’. Templeman laments: “I kept us moving at the beat of my heart, your voice was soothing, how did we fall apart…” With a driving bass juxtaposed against jangly guitar licks and Templeman’s bending voice, this is nothing short of marvellous.
Standout tune ‘Film Scene Daydream’ suits its title, anchoring a summertime dreamlike feeling, a hazy escape with its sun-drenched guitar accents and soothing backing vocals. Each song offers an upbeat enthusiasm whether that be anchored by eighties style synths or moody basslines to keep the groove going.
Alfie Templeman has been shielding since March due to coronavirus, but as the pandemic has taken grip on society he has responded by crafting an album which reveals an optimism for the future. Overall, a very mature collection of sing-alongs. Templeman has proven that he is evolving as an artist. This is going to be a big year for this young crooner.
8/10
Words: Caitlin Sibthorpe
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Related: Growing Up Fast – Alfie Templeman Interviewed
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