Lucy Fitzgerald 
The psychedelic rock crew from Cologne is back with their third studio album, “In The Temple”, and it is a total treat for the ears! Released via Tonzonen Records, this latest effort marks an exciting evolution for Smokemaster as they dive into 60s psychedelic pop with a whole lot of heart and creativity.
To bring this fresh vision to life, the band brought in session vocalist Jack McAfee from The Miracle Seeds. His warm, melismatic voice and smooth three-part harmonies give the tracks a hypnotic edge that matches up perfectly with catchy guitar riffs and rich organ melodies. Right from the start, “No Other One” sets an upbeat mood with a lively declaration of love, featuring an irresistible melody that immediately pulls you in.
In my opinion, this record is an absolute breath of fresh air that perfectly balances nostalgic vibes with creative freedom. Seeing the group explore new musical territories while keeping their handmade charm makes this easily their most impressive work yet.
The middle of the record keeps things moving with incredible variety. “Do It Again” bursts into an ecstatic, swirling wall of sound, while “Down in the Salt Mines” crafts a spooky, tense atmosphere before blasting back into bright guitar work. The title track, “In The Temple”, stands out as a joyful tribute to the classic hippie days, delivering pure warmth that makes you want to get up and dance. Further down, tracks like “Electromagnetic” bring in sitar and tablas for a meditative touch, leading up to the epic hard-rock finish of “Citrus Leaves”.
If you love incredible psych-rock, make sure to show some support by following Smokemaster on their social media pages and streaming platforms! Be sure to add “In The Temple” to your favorite daily playlist so you can take this amazing sonic ride whenever you need a lift.
Listening to songs so you don’t have to! Just kidding :D, you totally should. Music blogger by day, nurse by night
