Introducing The Temperance Movement - #thecrowrocks
If you've seen the trailers for The Voice UK 2015 you may have seen a large black crow singing a brilliant cover version of the Ram Jam Band's 70's hit "Black Betty". A twitter campaign has been launched by fans under the hashtag #thecrowrocks to try and get the track released.
The Artist who who provided "The Voice" for the crow is non other than Phil Campbell, Lead Singer with UK Blues Rockers, The Temperance Movement.
The band released their self titled debut album last year to much critical acclaim and tickets were sold out for most of the nights on their UK & European Tour. They've since played to bigger crowds at the Download Festival and also got the chance to support The Rolling Stones in Europe, even though they didn't actually get to meet Mick or Keith. They are currently out on tour in America supporting Blackberry Smoke. We think they are one of the best news british blues bands to go and see live and we can't wait to hear news about a 2nd Album and a set of UK Tour dates on their return from the US.
In October 2013 I was lucky enough to catch their sold out show in London, where reportedly Jimmy Page was also there to see them play. It was one of the best Temperance Movement gigs of the year. However, much to my disgruntlement, I was struck down with very painful sciatica a few days before and could hardly walk. There was no way I was missing out on seeing Phil and the boys though. I dosed myself up on extra strong painkillers and went along anyway - hey That's rock and Roll for you! The band were on top form and the crowd were going crazy and loving every minute of Phil's bluesy swagger and the great guitar work from Luke and Paul. All I could do I was stand, propped against the wall at the very back of the room, with heat pads on under my t-shirt, unable to dance or move very much at all.
If I had been painfree and moblie I would have been right at the very front of the stage, soaking up every exciting minute of the performance. Since then I have had more Temperance Movement frustration. I've had the chance to go and see them live a couple more times in 2014 but other work commitments meant that in the end I couldnt make the gig dates and sadly my buddy had to sell the tickets on.
WATCH THE BAND'S INTRODUCTORY VIDEO HERE
The Temperance Movement are the sort of band who have a deep blend of crafted harmonies, a laconic rock n roll swagger and an earthy, folk tinged, very British influence. They do rock and Blues the old school way and know how to craft and deliver a great song.
Formed with the simplest of intentions, determined to play the kind of the music that displayed honesty and integrity, the band centres around the vulnerable grit of Glaswegian vocalist Phil Campbell and the organic interplay of the two accomplished guitarists Paul Sayer and Luke Potashnick.
The band's self titled debut album The Temperance Movement, is an authentic collection of songs that possesses a warm, homely sound that does away with studio trickery and instead embraces a lively, upfront atmosphere that gives songs like 'Take It Back' an everyman feel. Instruments and voices have room to breathe and leave space for you to take the music for what it is - honest, soulful and believable.
ONLY FRIEND - LIVE AT ROCK WERCHTER 2014
Preferring the understated detail in favour of the overblown cliche, the rhythm section of bassist Nick Fyffe and drummer Damon Wilson underpin the tension in up tempo rabble rousers like 'Midnight Black' and country style sing-a-long 'Know for Sure'.
Armed with only a five track EP titled 'Pride' (released in 2012), The Temperance Movement immediately found a receptive audience among music lovers. Word of the band's unpretentious live shows spread quickly and led to their first official UK tour selling out. A fifteen date tour of Sweden produced a similar result, with fans responding to the inclusive nature of the band's approach to live performances, inviting an atmosphere of togetherness instead of pomposity and egotism.
When Campbell opens his heart on 'Chinese Lanterns' and 'Smouldering' a new depth to the band reveals itself, where pure spirit triumphs over every knock back and sucker punch.
CHINESE LANTERNS - AMAZON LIVE LOUNGE
SMOULDERING - LIVE AT ROCK WERCHTER 2014
The multipart bittersweet harmonies on 'Pride' and the laid back sunny day optimism of 'Be Lucky' offer a simplicity that is the key to The Temperance Movement's appeal - a British blues explosion not trying too hard be anything other than what they are - honest rock n roll band with a pastoral, natural, feel good approach.
TAKE IT BACK & PRIDE - ACOUSTIC TENNAMENT TV SESSIONS
All I can say is that when they announce ticket sales for their next UK Tour I will certainly be trying to get some and hoping that I don't do my back in again - and of course I will be backing the campaign on twitter to get Black Betty released too #thecrowrocks
