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Following their achievement of being declared Best New Band at the Classic Rock awards this month, The Temperance Movement took to the O2 Academy 2 stage to show Birmingham exactly why they deserved this accolade.
Kicking things off was the rootsy, country-folk offerings of Joshua James, a singer-songwriter hailing from Salt Lake City, Utah. Although backed by a tight knit band, James’ talent for weaving stories out of heartbreak and other such hardships really shone through. Beautifully constructed songs peppered with gospel influences (Coal War), perfect harmonies (Beware!) and the divine sound of the slide guitar (Wolves) dominated his set. His passionate, energetic performance, juxtaposed with the poignant and emotive lyricism of his songs, captivated the crowd into a stunned silence, the ideal atmosphere for James’ haunting voice to resonate with the audience.
Whilst rousing the crowd to offer praise to their support act, The Temperance Movement were truly in a league of their own. Hurtling out of the blocks with the swaggering, Be Lucky, a song that emulates the Faces, not just in capturing that unmistakable blues-driven groove, but also in enticing frontman Phil Campbell to strut around stage in manner best described as Rod Stewart possessed by the spirit of an epileptic chicken. Strong look.
Immediately segueing into the rough, ready and raucous Midnight Black, an infectious toe tapper that showcases the sheer power of Campbell’s raw and gritty vocals, sent the audience into a frenzy. Slowing the pace down briefly, channelling the kind of Americana popularised by The Black Crowes with the country tinged ballads Smouldering and Chinese Lanterns, the audience were treated to a display of exquisite acapella harmonies layered with Luke Potashnick’s gorgeous slide guitar lines.
Leaving the audience no time to linger in the moment, the band launched straight into fan favourite Only Friend. Laden with a gospel hook, dirty blues riffs and completed by Campbell’s distinctive powerhouse vocals, the room exploded in a collective gesture of appreciation. Finishing the set with an encore consisting of the rowdy Take It Back, a track permeated by a thunderous drumbeat, soaring guitar licks and an insanely catchy hook, and closer, Lovers and Fighters, a track that transforms Campbell from grizzly rock demon into a tender voiced troubadour lamenting the woes of love, beautifully completed by Paul Sayer’s lush slide guitar melodies, the audience erupted in rapturous applause.
Gauging the reaction from the crowd and with an award already under their belts, these boys are in for big things in the future. So join the movement today, you’ll regret it if you don’t.
