Temperance Movement gig is a full on old school rock romp

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Having a rock act, with the reputation as the best in the country, play at a venue like the Inchyra Arts Club was a genuine coup, writes Peter Drummond-Hay.

And there was an air of real excitement building before the doors opened to an absolute capacity crowd who were not going to be disappointed by The Temperance Movement.

Support came from local heroes The New Madrids, who opened the show in fine style, showcasing three new songs from their eagerly awaited new album, along with some old favourites.

Their blend of Americana R&B went down a storm, and their new album will definitely be worth waiting for if the songs they previewed here are any sort of a guide.

As the lights dimmed after the break, the strains of ‘The Stripper’ saw The Temperance Movement sashay onto the stage and launch straight into ‘Caught in the Middle’, with its infectious staccato guitar intro.

The songs from the recently released ‘A Deeper Cut’ album featured prominently in a well-paced set that showed off their skills as an old school, full on rock band.

Coming complete with a dynamic front man in Phil Campbell and the thrilling twin guitar assault pairing of Paul Sayer and Matt White, they proceeded to lift the roof of the former Byre.

The band appears to draw influences from the rock and soul of the Southern States of America, combined with the full throttle rock ’n roll of AC/DC and the Stones.

At one point they were evoking memories of the style and swagger of Steve Marriott and Humblepie, ‘Rocking the Fillmore’.

They generated a similar level of excitement.

With a rasping, powerful voice, Phil Campbell is a bundle of energy, owning the stage and dominating proceedings even when sat at the piano.

On the slower numbers, the soulful element of this extraordinary voice was revealed.

The wonderful ‘White Bear’ was one of many high points during this superb set, which concluded with two well deserved encores.

The fans knew every word and joined the band enthusiastically at every encouragement.

This was a great night of music, Blues Rock as it used to be done, as it should be done, and as it is being done by The Temperance Movement.