Gig review: THE TEMPERANCE MOVEMENT – The Ritz, Manchester, 17 November 2014

The Temperance Movement - The Ritz, Manchester, 17 November 2014

Having followed The Temperance Movement since the early days we have seen them sell out pretty much every venue they play; ranging from the 250 capacity Bodega in Nottingham to the 550 capacity Club Academy so tonight at the 1500 capacity Ritz can we expect the same?

Well, with pre-sales of over 1200 there is a damn good chance.  They are still touring on the strength of their powerful self-titled debut album and now with the fans expectation of a release of that awkward second album they choose to pile the pressure on and plan their first USA tour supporting Blackberry Smoke next year.

Are they up to it and will the USA like them? Time will tell but if it’s anything like their success on this side of the pond they will do just fine.

Raglans - The Ritz, Manchester, 17 November 2014

TTM always have great support bands are these guys were no exception coming from Dublin, Raglans are an exciting blend of indie/rock with an Irish folk tinge to the sound mainly due to the use of mandolin, acoustic guitar and the writing style of lead singer Stephen Kelly.

They played a great set from their debut self-titled and thankfully self-written album and have a really vibrant and energetic sound and delivery that mixes hints of madness, comedy and really catchy licks, indeed one of tracks saw the whole band on percussion as a lead in.

Having done a few tours now and produced some really catch tracks and videos I can see them getting major airplay in the not too distant future.  Definitely worth another listen.

The Temperance Movement - The Ritz, Manchester, 17 November 2014

It was clear from the setlist that The Temperance Movement  were going to be airing the new tracks tonight and they all fitted seamlessly into the set.

Kicking off with ’3 Bullets’ which has some great slide work from Paul Sayer and ‘Battle Lines’ which starts with a deep raw riff and builds until Phil’s ever gruff vocals rip through the speakers.

The Temperance Movement - The Ritz, Manchester, 17 November 2014

One noticeable thing as they play some of the earlier material is the almost jamming style and the interplay between them all strengthened this.

Phil introduces us to his new instrument, Sally shaker, which he uses on a few of the songs which gives him something to do when he’s not practicing his new dance moves of which he has plenty!

The set continues with some must-play tracks like ‘Chinese Lanterns’, ‘Pride’ and ‘Only Friend’  and one of the new ones that I heard earlier in the year ‘Long Way Home’ which was written whilst coping with the ups/downs and struggles of constant touring and the wish to be back home.

The Temperance Movement - The Ritz, Manchester, 17 November 2014

Inevitably the night must come to an end as we are treated to an encore of another new track ‘White Bear’ and finishing with ‘Serenity’.

Overall an excellent show and on the strength of the sound and reaction to the new tracks the forthcoming album will be as good if not better than their debut. Looking forward to the USA leg of the tour, if the success in the UK and Europe is anything to go by they should go down a storm but we all know how fickle the Americans can be!

TTM Setlist: 3 Bullets (new), Midnight Black, Battle Lines (new), Magnify (new), Ain’t No Telling, Chinese Lanterns, Long Run (new), Centerfold, Smouldering,  Know For Sure, Take It Back, Pride, Only Friend, White Bear (new), Serenity.

Review and photos by Simon Dunkerley


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