The Temperance Movement are band on a mission. Formed in
2011, they have quickly set about establishing themselves through their blues
driven, classic rock and roll sound. Currently in the middle of an extensive
tour (during which they’re set to perform at Hard Rock Calling on the same bill
as Bruce Springsteen) and with their debut album slated for an autumn release,
the band are currently making themselves known all over.
I know about the band because I have been a big fan of their
lead singer – Phil Campbell – for many years now. Phil Campbell has been around
since the 90s, and has built up an impressive back catalogue of solo material,
as well as having been the lead singer for the now defunct group White Buffalo.
As a solo artist, Phil Campbell is one of my absolute favourites; he has a
great voice, and knows how to write high-quality songs. Unfortunately his
albums have tended to go un-noticed by the masses, probably due to a lack of
exposure, but I’m very glad to have discovered them.
While his solo material may not have gained him much
recognition, this new incarnation may prove to be more prolific. Phil has the
voice of a rock star, the rough edged Glaswegian accent packs one hell of a
punch, and it could be the key to The Temperance Movement’s success: the thing
that makes them stand out from all their contemporaries. Well, that and the
fact that they’re bloody good!
The band’s debut EP “Pride” consists of just five tracks,
but each one of them offers something different. ‘Ain’t No Telling’ kicks
things off with a bluesy swagger, before an explosive chorus grabs hold of the
listener and doesn’t let go. ‘Only Friend’ opens with a
simple-yet-very-effective riff (distinct enough to make the track a staple of
live gigs), and adds layers of guitars, drums and vocals building up to the
chorus. The combination of all the band-members voices singing “Lord” all
together at the start of the chorus is a standout moment on this EP.
‘Pride’ is a much quieter track than the first two, and has
more of a Country feel to it, with regard to the lyrics and verse structure. When
the tempo builds up towards the chorus, it almost seems like there is a rock-song
in there trying to break free, and as the track culminates that almost comes to
fruition (though not quite so much as the previous tracks). This shows off the
versatility of the band, which I’m sure was the intention with this EP. The rockier
tempo picks right up again with ‘Be Lucky’ which has shades of AC/DC, which are
apparent right from the start.
The EP then closes out with ‘Lovers & Fighters’ which to
me has more of a feel of Phil Campbell’s solo music, albeit with more
accompaniment. It allows him to showcase his singing voice, as well as the
depth of his lyrics.
Over the course of just five tracks The Temperance Movement
demonstrate a strong aptitude for classic bluesy rock, catchy hooks and
choruses. They also showcase their versatility and depth. With their first
full-length album due out later in the year, this band has all the tools to
become big. Join the Movement!
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