I used to love the Harlem Globetrotters. I remember growing up they used to occasionally be on World of Sport or Grandstand, one of them anyway. They were cool and funny and had these outrageous skills that (it seemed to me) no other team had, and certainly no-one would attempt in a ‘proper’ game. Along with that, they had an exotic name, for someone from the Midlands in England anyway (turns out they’re not actually from Harlem, but Chicago). I was suitably enthralled by what they did, right down to their theme tune, Sweet Georgia Brown. Seems that they’ve played over 20 thousand games in 140 countries.
The Temperance Movement may not be the Harlem Globetrotters (clearly) but they do have a draft pick of incredible talent. Heading up the band is vocalist Phil Campbell. He’s joined by guitarists Luke Potashnick (ex of Rooster and Ben’s Brother) alongside Paul Sayer. On bass is former Jamiroquai man Nick Fyffe and on drums is Damon Wilson, who’s CV contains work with the likes of Ray Davies, The Waterboys and Feeder. They released their debut EP ‘Pride’ last year, and their new, debut album is out on September 16th on Earache records.
The band play the sort of blues infused rock that made AC/DC so beloved of just about everybody on the planet. Listening to their new album, there’s plenty of stripped down old-school rock in their new album, but there’s also ballads, and other moments of reflection that show that (rather like the Harlem Globetrotters) aren’t just a one trick pony.
To celebrate the release of the new album, the band have announced an extensive European tour. I don’t know what the Temperance Movement’s theme tune is, if anything, but I do know that, despite not having maybe such an exotic name (wouldn’t surprise me if they didn’t turn out to be teetotal) but they are cool, are enthralling and have outrageous skills. They’ve got some catching up to do to beat 20k shows in 140 countries, but this seems like it might be a good start.
http://www.thetemperancemovement.com
Tour Dates
