Seatemples has been active in the goth music scene for over a decade and continues to entrance listeners with their sound from their homebase in Chile. I had the pleasure of interviewing the members a couple of years ago. At the time, they hinted at a larger project they had in the works. That project was their EP, Los Templos Marinos, which they just released. I immersed myself in the songs and am impressed by what they’ve produced.
The EP is a testament to the high caliber at which Seatemples operates. The group has become recognized for their blending of post-punk, gothic rock and shoegaze. This amalgamation of genres has put the band in a class of their own with them spearheading the gothgaze sound. Los Templos Marinos exemplifies this perfectly.
The EP contains five tracks and two remixes. Members Patricio Zenteno and Priscila Ugalde worked tirelessly to bring the project to light. They also collaborated with a wider production team for mixing and mastering. One notable producer they partnered with includes Maurizio Baggio who’s worked with Boy Harsher and the late Luis Vasquez of The Soft Moon.
Before unveiling this project, Seatemples teased fans with the release of two singles. “Weltschmerz” was the first song to hit music streaming platforms in 2021. It was followed by “Wine and Rockets” in 2023. Regarding the single “Weltschmerz,” Patricio has commented, “Within Weltschmerz, we escape the world’s painful scenarios while dancing into the flames in search of new hopeful times for the marginalized.” Likewise, the EP serves as an escape for listeners into a dreamy existence.
The album exudes a chill, haunting vibe that I found relaxing and stimulating. Patricio’s voice accompanied by Priscila’s supporting vocals are easy on the ears. Plus, their incorporation of guitars, bass, synthesizers, and percussion is so fluid and seamless. You could fall into a trance listening to the entire playlist.
The pair left no detail overlooked for the EP. Even the album artwork was carefully thought out. They collaborated with a trio of artists, including Alejandro Villalobos and Cristian Díaz Herrera from Chile and Yamila Anabel C. Sáez from Argentina. Each creator was involved in crafting certain elements of the album cover. The shades of aqua blue give it an ethereal quality that complement the group’s oceanic characteristics. They are called Seatemples after all.
I want to give Seatemples a huge round of applause for their work on Los Templos Marinos. It is an exquisite album that demonstrates their adroitness for experimenting with musical textures and creating atmospheric soundscapes. They’re a duo that’s passionate about their art and it comes through when you hit “play.”
I highly recommend checking out Los Templos Marinos and while you’re at it, listen to the band’s previous releases. As pioneers of gothgaze, it’ll be fascinating to see what Seatemples comes out with next.
Vamp Jenn's Corner 