The Temperance Movement are back with a bang. The group recently released their highest charting album to date in the shape of A Deeper Cut.
The five piece’s now third studio album debuted in the official UK charts at an impressive Number 6. Who said that rock music is dead? Subsequently, the group makes a welcome return to Tyneside mid-way through their current European run.
Despite what has been a miserable week weather wise in the North East of England along much of the rest of the UK, fans flock to Newcastle University to witness the band’s return. Frontman Phil Campbell shows his appreciation for the efforts made by the Geordie faithful to brave the elements to get to the show tonight.
It may be cold outside, but it doesn’t take long for those in attendance to thaw out; the packed out room gets hot and sweaty very quickly.
The Temperance Movement open the show with four back to back songs from A Deeper Cut, a testament to the strength of this album, which in turn sets the tone for the night ahead. Tracks including the band’s hard rocking single “Caught In The Middle”, the soulful number “The Wonders We’ve Seen” and the funky “Love and Devotion” all get an airing at the top of the show. The latter of which features members of opening act Thomas Wynn and The Believers on backing vocals.
Throughout the course of the evening, The Temperance Movement boldly delivers the lion’s share of their new album with nine of twelve songs featuring in the set. However, despite the fact that these numbers are so fresh and new, the audience seems to know all of the words to each and every song.
As the show ebbs and flows, the band picks up the pace mid-set with a three-song stretch from their sophomore album. This includes a passionate rendition of the title track itself – “White Bear”, fuzz fuelled vintage rocker “Three Bulleits” and the groove-heavy “Battle Lines”.
With this now the Temperance Movement’s third album it appears that they’ve gone back to their early roots. This album is a departure from the material featured on White Bear, which was arguably the group’s heaviest album to date. The beauty of this is that the new songs seamlessly dovetail and compliment tracks from the band’s eponymous debut long player.
Of course, there is plenty of room for old favourites including the likes of the anthemic “Be Lucky”, the funky fingerpicking blues-rock number “Know For Sure” and the band’s unmistakable crowd pleaser “Only Friend”.
There are many standout moments in the set, this is largely due to the strength of the arsenal of material The Temperance Movement has behind them now. Furthermore, the group’s new record has produced many future classics including the likes of their musical masterpiece “Another Spiral”, which features some sublime fretwork from guitarist Paul Sayer. Subsequently, the band really spreads out and jams during current single “Built-In Forgetter”.
Grasping his acoustic guitar Phil Campbell leads the group into a beautiful performance of “A Deeper Cut”, which closes the main set and leaves the crowd wanting more. Returning to the stage for a duly deserved encore the night is brought to a close with the keyboard-infused “Backwater Zoo” and the frantic “Midnight Black”.
On the strength of the band’s performance tonight and their new album, it’s fair to say that The Temperance Movement are in the form of their lives right now. The group continues to fly the flag high for British rock and roll music.
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The Temperance Movement
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Event Date: 04-Mar-2018