It's an obvious result, but goggling 'the temperance movement' to get information on this band produces details in stark contrast with the stereotype of a rock'n'roll lifestyle....
Having heard their single Only Friend on Planet Rock today, I made that search, found the band's site and paid £10 for a signed copy of their current ep Pride which includes a free download [the digital download on its own is only £4, cheaper than amazon] and have listened to it a couple of enjoyable times. I still can't find exact information on who is who and who plays what [there's no biog on their site, and Wikipedia having not yet caught up with the band informs instead on that antithetical alcohol abstinence], but the lead singer who I'm guessing is Phil Campbell has a lot of the Burton Cummings about his vocal - and a little of Jim 'Dandy' Mangrum - but it is the former mirrored tone that is particularly distinctive.
The band of Phil Campbell, Nick Fyffe, Luke Potashnick, Paul Sayer and Damon Wilson play retro rock so there's the immediate appeal, obvious if you have been following recent posts here, but also quite simply if you have been following contemporary musical trends. On this ep, opener Ain't No Telling is a jaunty, climbing-beat rocker that introduces that Cummings-rasp of a vocal. This is followed by the Planet Rock supported Only Friend which is equally rock-generic with a single drum stomp laying down the chugging rhythm beneath a Facesesque guitar riff [RW then] and it is on this track that I hear an echo of Black Oak Arkansas - so the influences, direct or indirect, provide solid company. Third Pride is a slower number that provides a softer tone to the vocal, but one that confirms its fine qualities.
The five songs on the ep were written and recorded quite quickly into the band's formation in 2011 and it will be interesting to hear the full album when released. In having to surmise quite a bit about this band I'd chance it that they impact most live at the moment. This ep provides solid enough evidence of their quality as performers and some gift in their writing that recreates a rock sound from the early 70s. If that reads as tentative I'd remind you that I've gone for the signed physical copy of their ep as they sound to me as if they're here to rock'n'stay.
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