The Temperance Movement @ Hare & Hounds, Birmingham – Sunday 12th May 2013

Review by Peter Keevil. Pics by Russ Powney

‘Sold Out’ signs decorated the downstairs bar of the Hare & Hounds in the Kings Heath suburb of the UK’s 2^nd city, and it indicated to me that The Temperance Movement (TTM to their friends) are beginning to make waves with their blend of re-invented yet original soul rock n’ roll.

The upstairs venue was rammed with over forties – the men fighting receding hairlines, the ladies still looking hot and ready to dance. And dance they did.

Frontman, Phil Campbell (of the Campbell clan no doubt), looked like a Vietnam war veteran, all un-kept beard and tousled hair. Yet, he moved and sang like a bastard love-child of Jagger and Cocker born of an unholy tryst with Janis Joplin but then raised by wolves in the highlands of Scotland.

He was ably supported by a band of retro renegades that together brought sweet bourbon drenched sounds akin to an anglicised Black Crowes, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Eagles, blended for years in an oak cask with Humpie Pie and Free. It truly was a magnificent sound.

Highlights were many, especially around the familiar tracks of their debut EP, Pride. Campbell announced the planned debut album for September and if the EP is anything to go by it’s got to be one of the most anticipated of 2013. It’s going to place them on a par with Rival Sons WITHOUT the three album apprenticeship – it’s that good!

The band are capable of delivering some divine sounds, none more evident than with the 5-part harmony acapella intro to ‘Chinese Lanterns’ while songs like ‘Smouldering’ and set closer ‘Serenity’ simply NEED to be heard – it will make the world a better place.

TTM are:
Phil Campbell – Vocals
Luke Potashnick – Guitar
Paul Sayer – Guitar
Nick Fyffe – Bass
Damon Wilson – Drums

Setlist:
Be Lucky
Midnight Black
Morning Riders
Pride
Ain’t No Telling
Smouldering
Know For Sure
Lovers and Fighters
Chinese Lanterns
Only Friend
Take It Back
—-
Serenity

See more of Russ’s photos here;