The Temperance Movement, a band that initially aimed to embody the spirit of The Black Crowes, ultimately carved their own path, delivering a sound that was both contemporary and rooted in classic rock ‘n’ soul. Their 2016 album, White Bear, showcased this evolution, adding a modern edge to their revivalist style. Two years later, their follow-up album, A Deeper Cut, solidified their knack for crafting memorable tunes.
While a track like “Built-In Forgetter” might have had an unconventional title, it delivered a chorus bursting with pure joy. In contrast, “Another Spiral” unfolded as a poignant ballad, showcasing the band’s ability to balance delicate emotionality with nuanced musicality.”Children” demonstrates this artistry perfectly; a heart-wrenching track that would have surely resonated with the likes of Ryan Adams and Gram Parsons.
At the heart of The Temperance Movement’s sound is vocalist Phil Campbell. His vocal range, shifting seamlessly from raspy grit to smooth tenderness, recalls the legendary Paul Rodgers. Campbell effortlessly navigates the passionate cries of “Love And Devotion” and the restrained vulnerability of the title track, proving himself a worthy successor to Rodgers’ soulful legacy.
(Image credit: Earache)
The temperance Movement’s third studio album, “A Deeper Cut,” was released in February 2018. It garnered widespread acclaim for the band’s signature hard-rocking sound and heartfelt lyrics.
“A Deeper Cut” solidified The Temperance Movement’s reputation as purveyors of soulful,blues-infused rock. the album was celebrated for its raw energy,powerful vocals,and thought-provoking lyrics. Critics and fans alike praised its blend of classic rock influences with a modern sensibility.
The release coincided with a dedicated fan community that actively participates in the “Album of the Week Club” discussion forum. This online platform allows music enthusiasts to share their perspectives and engage in lively conversations about the album.
February 2018 proved to be a prolific month for new music, with releases from a diverse range of artists, including:
Awolnation – here Come the runts
Don Broco – Technology
Saxon – Thunderbolt
Franz Ferdinand - Always Ascending
Band-Maid – World Domination
Ought – Room Inside the World
Pop Evil – Pop Evil
“A Deeper Cut” proves how consistent The Temperance Movement have been with their hard-rocking, soulful blues-rock stylings, ” said one reviewer.
The Temperance Movement: Digging Deep with “A Deeper Cut”
The Temperance Movement, a band known for their gritty blues-rock sound, released what is arguably their most accomplished album to date, “A Deeper Cut,” in 2018. The album, lauded for its rawness and contemporary edge, showcases the band’s roots in early ’70s rock while keeping their sound fresh and relevant.
Reviewers hailed “A Deeper Cut” for its captivating blend of classic influences like Small Faces, Jeff Beck Group, Free, and even hints of Led Zeppelin.
“I’ve always had a lot of time for bands like The Temperance Movement. A bunch of ‘journeymen’ musicians who honed their skills through hard work and came together to take a well-deserved turn in the limelight,” noted critic Gary Claydon.
He further described their music as “foot-stomping blues-rock and r’n’b with a southern-boogie groove and enough of a ‘contemporary’ edge to keep them fresh and relevant.” Claydon raved about their live performances, stating, “The sort of band that makes it unfeasible to sit/stand still and absolutely dynamite live.”
“The Deeper cut” kicks off with the powerful duo of “Caught in the Middle” and “Built-In Forgetter,” tracks that showcase the band’s signature bluesy sound, complete with “downright dirty guitar” and the powerhouse vocals of frontman Phil Campbell.
“Campbell is the star show, stretching out from raunchy and rocky, through raw emotion and smooth as honey,” observed Claydon.
While praising the album’s energy, Claydon did suggest that it “slows things down a little” compared to some of the band’s earlier work.
Despite varying opinions on its pacing, “A Deeper Cut” remains a testament to The Temperance Movement’s ability to stay true to their roots while evolving their sound. It’s an album that both honors their influences and introduces their music to a new generation of rock enthusiasts.
The Temperance Movement: ‘The Greatest Hits’
The Temperance Movement, known for their blues-infused rock, has released a compilation album titled ‘The Greatest Hits’, featuring a selection of tracks from their three studio albums. While the band’s music possesses undeniable energy and raw talent, this particular collection leaves listeners wanting a bit more.
The opening tracks set a strong pace, echoing the band’s live performances with their signature fiery spirit. Songs like “Beast Nation” instantly grab the listener’s attention. However, as the album progresses, the energy seems to dissipate slightly. While this doesn’t detract from the quality of the music, it creates a sense that the album might benefit from a tighter tracklist. Perhaps trimming one or two tracks could have resulted in a more consistently electrifying experiance.
The placement of “Higher Than The Sun” as the closing track also feels like a missed opportunity. This powerful song would have served as a stronger closing statement.
Despite these minor critiques, The Temperance Movement remains a formidable force in the live music scene. Their concerts are renowned for their sheer energy and musical prowess. Hopefully,’The Greatest Hits’ will prompt a renewed interest in the band,leading to more live performances in the near future.
While “The Greatest Hits” might not be a definitive “killer” album,it does offer a glimpse into the band’s notable catalog.A curated selection of their best songs would undoubtedly make for an remarkable compilation.
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