#Walking papers album review download#

That’s because The Temperance Movement still suffer from the same problems as so many of their contemporaries, primarily in that they still feel as though they’re trying to openly replicate the bands of the ’70s rather than forge their own identity. Sure, they may still be in the vein of old-fashioned blues-rock that knows it audience and refuses to stray from that, but alongside a performance that feels more convincing and songs that overall work with their influences rather than using them a crutch, this is definitely a solid album that’s easy to get into, if not become fully invested in.

#Walking papers album review download#

For what seems on the surface to be another blues-rock band that’s reliable but ultimately nothing special, both their self-titled debut and its follow-up White Bear did fairly well with the classic rock crowd, and even if their collective touring stripes have been earned through playing with some utterly drab acts (a CV comprised of Feeder, Rooster and Ben’s Brother is nothing to be proud of in anyone’s book), the fact that they’re essentially mainstays at Download – and high on the bill at that – suggest that the push for The Temperance Movement is one that’s adamant on turning them into a real force clearly they’re doing something right.Īnd on A Deeper Cut, this might be the closest that The Temperance Movement have come to justifying their size and appeal. This is a very promising debut record that is down to earth, humour injected and will get you moving too.Of all the retro-rock bands clustered under their single spotlight, The Temperance Movement seem to be using their momentum the most effectively. You get the feeling the band won't really care what some review says though from the line ' I ain't looking for respect or rewards / please talk shit on your message boards,' which is fantastic and about as punk as oh I don't know, yelling 'fuckyouoioioi.'

Due to this and a few non-distinct guitar melodies there are a number of songs that just don't stick. The record does fail to deliver in some respects such as the lyrics, where Colin's heart is in the right place talking about a range of topics from the working stiff, greed and an unwanted pregnancy but sometimes the actual words themselves fall flat.

However one of the real strengths of the band for me was the drumming there is some rhythms on this that will undoubtedly shake the body politic. While a lot of the songs have a throwback flavour the band plays slivers of a more modern melodic punk flair at times during songs like 'Carbon Heart Radio' and 'Hell Awaits Hostage Life.'Īll in all, vocalist Colin still has a great sneering voice to lead the band and the guitar playing is effective throughout the release. Some really solid guitar work is displayed throughout the album, such as the solo on the single 'This Song Was Written by a Committee.' The band really works best when they try a more straight-up mid-paced old-school rockân'roll sound, such as on 'How to Die with a Smile' or 'The Quietest Mutiny.' Those two songs cover a similar territory to what One Man Army and the Ducky Boys have done in the past. While a Clash influenced street punk vibe that Rancid seems to love can be readily found in the guitar progressions and socio-political lyrics, there are a few different tricks the band comes up with throughout that keep things fresh. Luckily for the listener, Hostage Life puts a reasonably refreshing spin to their collection of Clash inspired punk ditties.

Like those bands, Hostage Life contains alumni from Toronto's mid-to-late `90s melodic punk stalwarts, Marilyn's Vitamins. Their label, Underground Operations holds amongst their lackluster releases albums by Bombs Over Providence and Dead Letter Debt., which have been mediocre to downright bad. I'd say I had to agree when listening to the debut full-length by Hostage Life. 'Don't judge an album by its label' is the type of saying that seems to get thrown around a lot in the world of punk.