The Temperance Movement (Live)

On a hot Tuesday night in the middle of summer, Exeter’s underground venue The Cavern is packed to see one of Britain’s most promising new rock bands. Support is provided by the excellent Samuel Taylor, who has a very catchy Bob Dylan-like style. He also receives an endorsement from the band later in the evening; certainly a singer/songwriter worth checking out. For the band this evening is the penultimate night of a lengthy tour, but lead singer Phil Campbell points out to all in attendance that they’re “not getting the table scraps”, and the quality of the live sound is a testament to that statement.

Despite the small venue the band make a big sound, and the set-opener ‘Be Lucky’ immediately get the crowd moving. There’s no shortage of catchy hooks and memorable choruses to get the crowd involved throughout the evening, and the Glaswegian front-man dances energetically around the stage like someone who is feeling the music in his bones. 

Every track from the band’s debut EP is present during the set, with the radio-friendly ‘Only Friend’ and ‘Ain’t No Telling’ going down particularly well with the live crowd. These are the tracks with choruses that the majority of the audience are familiar with, and they allow many voices to resonate through the venue. ‘Ain’t No Telling’ is also – as Campbell points out – the first song the group wrote together (undoubtedly a good sign for their song-writing future).

A particular highlight of the set comes in the form of the intimate ‘Lovers & Fighters’ which has the feel of some of Phil Campbell’s earlier career solo material. It marks a quieter moment in the set in amongst the louder, rockier tracks which comprise the majority of the set. Another such moment comes when the band decides to take advantage of their surroundings, and performs a soulful rendition of ‘Chinese Lanterns’ without the aid of any amplification. This is the sort of occurrence that audiences will be able to brag about years later, when the band are playing at much larger venues.

The band is coming to the end of their current tour by this stage, but they will undoubtedly be touring again very soon to promote the release of their upcoming debut album. The band play a few new tracks in anticipation of this, ‘Midnight Riders’ and ‘Smouldering’ which should be appearing on the band’s first LP. Also the entire audience remains completely rooted to the spot, voicing their desire for the band to return to the stage for an encore, which eventually comes in the form of ‘Serenity’ (perhaps another track to be expected on the album).

After the show the band were more than willing to mingle with the crowd, to sign copies of the EP and also to chat with the audience. The live audience clearly appreciates this personal touch, which isn’t always available at live events. 

The band have a knack for writing accessible, catchy rock numbers, with a classic rock influence; they sound great live; they’re developing a strong fan base through extensive touring; and their debut album is due out on September 16^th. If you haven’t already done so, the time is ripe to join the movement!