The Temperance movement - New promise land (2026)
An enjoyable blues-rock album with some good riffs, strong vocals and a warm, natural production, although the songwriting remains a little too conventional to really stand out.
Eight years after their previous studio album, The Temperance Movement return with New Promise Land Incorporated, produced by Ethan Johns. The album has a raw, organic sound, with bluesy guitars, a solid rhythm section and Phil Campbell's distinctive, soulful vocals. There's a clear seventies influence throughout, particularly from bands like Free, the Rolling Stones and The Black Crowes.
“Eat You Alive” is my favourite track. I particularly enjoy its energetic guitar riff, driving rhythm and direct approach. It's short, powerful and doesn't waste time with unnecessary developments. The vocal performance is excellent, and the whole song has an infectious energy that makes it one of the most immediately enjoyable moments on the album.
“Silverlight Blues” is another highlight, with its country-blues atmosphere and enjoyable guitar solo. “Mongrels” offers a more restrained approach, allowing Campbell's expressive vocals to take centre stage, while “Always Been Love” has a good groove and a slightly funkier rhythm. “Saving Grace” also works well thanks to its gradual development from acoustic passages to a fuller arrangement.
What I appreciate most is the quality of the performances. The guitars sound natural, the rhythm section has a good sense of groove, and Campbell's voice gives the music plenty of character. The production is also a strong point, avoiding excessive polish and preserving the feeling of musicians playing together.
My main problem is that the album rarely moves beyond the established classic rock formula. Most of the riffs and arrangements sound familiar, and although the songs are generally enjoyable, few of them have particularly memorable melodies. I also find the second half less engaging, with some slower compositions that don't maintain the energy of the opening tracks.
It's a solid comeback with some genuinely enjoyable moments, particularly when the band focuses on energetic, straightforward rock. But I would have liked a little more variety and a few stronger songs to make the album more memorable.
67/100
❤️ Favourite track: “Eat You Alive”
+ Excellent vocals and strong instrumental performances
+ Warm, natural production and enjoyable blues-rock grooves
+ Energetic riffs, particularly on the more direct songs
– Very familiar seventies classic rock influences
– Predictable songwriting and arrangements
– Less engaging second half and limited memorability
Genre: Blues Rock
Country: UK
Final Verdict: 67% (Good Album)
Yearly Ranking: 171th / 744
Highlight: Eat You Alive
Made me think of:
The Black Crowes
Rival Sons
The Rolling Stones
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