The return of blues rock rabble-rousers, The Temperance Movement must be one of the most surprising events of the year so far. Having seemingly disbanded for good back in 2020 with lead singer Phil Campbell heading out as a solo artist, it looked all but over for them. Yet, a few weeks back a cryptic message appeared followed shortly afterwards by the announcement of a UK tour. They were back.
Rather than the big, larger than life entrance onto the stage they tried something altogether unique and devastatingly effective. With all five members huddled around a single microphone, a glorious five-part harmony take on “Chinese Lanterns” chilled the soul. Quite stunning and shimmeringly beautiful.
With Campbell visibly stunned at the reaction and the huge turnout, it was down to business with some powerhouse, gravel hewn vocals on “Only Friend” and “Take It Back” with Luke Potashnick and Paul Sayer delivering some supremely tasty and suitably dirty riffs as Campbell added some rasping blues harp.
“Pride”, “Deeper Cut” and “Another Spiral” showed a more sensitive and deeply emotional side to the band which displayed some genuine class that is lacking in other bands of their ilk.
It was however on “Ain’t No Telling” and “Midnight Black” where their bluesy swagger won maxim mum points. Welcome back. You’ve been missed.
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