“Thunder Bay, is a great name. Has anyone ever named a song after it?”
This epic question is posed by Glasgow-born Phil Campbell, the charismatic leader of British soul rock band, The Temperance Movement.
Campbell is in self-proclaimed talking mode, he’s been getting interviewed for the last hour and rest assured the stories are flowing. He’s hilarious, kind, down to earth and without a doubt a lovely chat.
I felt as though this interview should have taken place at a pub, and by now we’d be a few drinks in. He’s like the long lost best friend you haven’t seen in a decade, yet when you finally connect it’s like no time has passed.
To describe the sound of The Temperance Movement or compare them to another act runs the risk of pigeon-holing this diverse, soulful and melodic band. However, a fair comparison is The Black Crowes meets Creedence Clearwater Revival.
They even do a killer acoustic cover of Have you Ever Seen the Rain.
I’d confidently go on the record as stating there’s a good old fashioned rock and roll revival among us, with bands like Rival Sons, The Temperance Movement, and Monster Truck sweeping through the scene.
I spoke with Campbell on the evening of the first Canadian date (Victoria,BC) of the “Tourin’ Heavy” Tour.
“I wish I could move here, but my life doesn’t allow me. I love the time we’ve had in Canada, particularly Toronto,” he said. “We’re looking forward to the Canadian winter. I’m prepared, I have long johns.”
He’s grateful to be on the road as the opening act for one of Canada’s hardest working bands, Monster Truck.
“We’ve got 45 minutes each night to open up the stage and get it pumping. We’re here to celebrate those guys and congratulate them on the release of their album, that’s what we’re doing here.”
A humble answer from a band who stands strong on their own merit.
“We’re in a foreign land and we’ve got to drink it all in, make memories and have stories to tell. It’s their tour, and it’s their show.”
Their latest record, White Bear, separates The Temperance Movement from the pack and places them in the upper echelon of current music.
It’s got everything your little heart desires. Hard. Soft. Slow. Fast. It’s varied and textured.
There’s a smooth and soulful grit and raw edge to Campbell’s voice, like a rusty razor. With the essence of blues, rock and roll and R and B laced throughout, it has mass appeal for true lovers of music, but more importantly, southern harmony. “That’s the heart of our music.”
The live element has recently undergone a line-up change since formation in 2011, with a new guitarist now in the band.
“Not everything lasts forever,” Campbell said. “We learned to laugh and listen up and let go a little bit. There’s a different vibe and groove, and when the whole thing shifts you move with it.”
Joining Campbell on this journey is bassist Nick Fyffe, guitarist Paul Sayer, drummer Damon Wilson and the latest guitarist addition.
I wonder if the name The Temperance Movement reflects the definition, of a social movement against the consumption of alcohol. Are the guys straight edge? Not so much.
“The name can be more related to a sober mind. The use of the word movement is because I feel free to do that. It’s because of the freedom they give me to be a front man and play groovy rock and roll music. That’s what that is."
These Brit rockers pull heavy influence from the late ‘60s blues explosion. The guys weren’t even born, but nonetheless it left an impression.
“The white boys playing rock and roll, it was a glorious scene. They were stylizing rock and roll. Their choice of guitars and amps in that era influenced us. It’s basic expression. No frills, it’s just real.”
The Temperance Movement and Monster Truck play Saturday, March 5 at the LU Outpost.
