Hailing from the picturesque southwest England coastal town of Torquay, Devon are Pylon Poets, an alternative indie rock band comprised of Dan Hughes (lead vocals, guitars & synths), Nathan Hughes (bass, backing vocals), and Sam McIver (drums). (Dan and Nathan are not brothers, just both happen to have the same surname.) The guys have been putting out high-energy melodic rock since 2016, with songs featuring relatable lyrics touching on such issues as pop culture, love and politics. They’ve toured extensively and have played several music festivals throughout the UK, sharing the stage with such artists as Reef, Fun Lovin’ Criminals, Scouting For Girls, Republica and ASH.

I first featured them on this blog in May 2023, when I reviewed their single “In the End”. Today they return with “Temptation“, which follows their previous single “Echoes of Desire”, released in early May. Recorded and produced by Tom Jobling at Mill Farm Music studio in Dorset, “Temptation” explores the notion of wanting and needing to be led astray by giving in to our deepest desires.

One of the things I like about Pylon Poets is that no two songs of theirs sound alike, which is a testament to the versatility of their songwriting and musicianship. And though their music generally sounds nothing like Duran Duran, I nevertheless get strong Duran Duran vibes from “Temptation”.

Perhaps it’s the sensuous pulsating groove, or Dan’s electrifying jangly, bluesy and wailing distorted guitars, Nathan’s powerful thumping bassline and Sam’s muscular smashing drumbeats, all of which sound fantastic. And while Dan’s vocals don’t exactly sound like Simon LeBon’s on this song, he nevertheless captures a similar smoldering soulful quality perfectly befitting the torrid lyrics describing unbridled sexual desire. It’s all absolutely marvelous, and I think “Temptation” is my favorite Pylon Poets song yet!

Do you know what you need,
Taking things as you please,
Do you want to believe or do you want to succeed,

It has all been conceived,
The making of your dreams,
Is this the time, is this your mind,
Are you the loving kind,

What would you take me for,
Your graces are your flaws,
Whatever you need you're going to receive,

I know you'll take me there,
Desires all laid bare,
Is this the time, is this your mind,
Are you the loving kind,

Tempting me, Tempting you,
Leading me, Leading you,
Dreaming me, Dreaming you,
Hand in hand, Heart in heart,
Tempting me, I'm tempted,
Leading me, I'll be lead,
Dreaming me, I'm dreaming,
Hand in hand, Heart in heart,

So close we're touching,
It's just a matter of time,
It's just a matter of time,

Come here and tear me apart,
Lend me your heart,
Give me the spark,
Make me the loving kind,

Tempting me, Tempting you,
Leading me, Leading you,
Dreaming me, Dreaming you,
Hand in hand, Heart in heart,
Tempting me, I'm tempted,
Leading me, I'll be lead,
Dreaming me, I'm dreaming,
Hand in hand, Heart in heart,

Temptation
Temptation
Temptation

Pylon Poets Socials:  Facebook / X / Instagram / TikTok

Find their music on Bandcamp / Spotify / Apple Music / Soundcloud / YouTube