The Temperance Movement with Thomas Wynn & The Believers: Live in London


Off the back of their brilliant new album A Deeper Cut (Earache), British rockers The Temperance Movement embarked on a UK and Europe wide tour. The last date of the UK leg was at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, which was dutifully packed to the rafters with a wide range of expectant fans. The support act on the night was the Florida based, brother and sister band Thomas Wynn and The Believers.

TWATB, unfortunate acronym aside, offered up a delightful bluesy and Americana infused brand of Southern Rock that fans of Tom Petty and Gov’t Mule will lap up. The Thomas Wynn and Olivia Wynn fronted sextet put on a strong performance, drawing from their 2017 album Wade Waist Deep (Mascot). Rootsy rock played from the heart, with the highlight coming in the form of a raucous, energetic cover of Bruce Springsteen’s acoustic classic ‘Atlantic City’.

With a set drawing heavily on their third album, The Temperance Movement put on an exquisite and high energy show, with frontman Phil Campbell’s dance moves an impressive mix of Bez (of Happy Mondays fame) and Mick Jagger. Swagger-filled numbers such as ‘Caught in the Middle’, ‘The Way It Was and the Way It Is Now’ and ‘Built In Forgetter’ sounded pitch perfect live, filling the cosy confines of the Kentish Town Forum with a boisterous and high spirited atmosphere.

Thomas and Olivia Wynn also got involved, lending their vocal talents to the exuberant three and a half minute blast of ‘Love and Devotion’. Their first two albums were not neglected as the raucous anthems ‘White Bear’ and ‘Three Bullets’ and the stomp of ‘Only Friend’ and ‘Be Lucky’ were sprinkled throughout.

The night ended with a pleasing encore of ‘Backwater Zoo’ and ‘Midnight Black’ ringing in people’s ears and the obligatory post gig stampede for the toilets.

THOMAS THROWER