Review: The Temps @ Mojo

The Temps

After a summer long hiatus The Temps have returned. Although hiatus suggests they were on a break, however judging by the strength on which the band play tonight it was no rest bite.

They seem to have spent those summer months working hard and developing new songs, as a result we see a tighter and further evolved band.

The band's gig at Mojo for the opening of Liverpool Music Week is testament to The Temps’ allure, the fact that their first gig back is at one of the city’s biggest musical events.

The Temps combine elements of some of Manchester’s finest such as Joy Division and The Fall, (Mark. E. Smith already a fan of this promising band) and it is their ability to produce dark but none the less captivating music that makes them stand out.

As mentioned earlier the band do seem to have stepped up their game; they were already a good band with great songs, they stood out and Joseph Wainwright is a natural born front man - but there is something a little bit different about them now.

As a gifted footballer has to go to practice everyday to maintain and hone his (or her) skills, it is no different for musicians. It is one thing to have talent, but it is another to not be idle with that talent.

One must have the artistic vision to want to constantly push forward and develop further; and it seems that this is what The Temps have been doing over the summer, honing their craft, and it has most definitely paid off. Tonight they introduce the crowd to newer songs and also play old favourites, such as Soup.

Joey seems to carry the weight of the world on his shoulders and this angst manifests itself with him pounding his body with his fists.

He also displays lots of violent jerking body movements but it is not dancing, it is more a impulsive reaction to the band’s edgy post punk sound coursing through him.

Tonight The Temps are as mesmerising as ever, the set lasts around twenty to twenty five minutes at a push (but it seems a lot less) and it isn’t nearly long enough. But don’t all the best bands leave you wanting more?

Comments about Review: The Temps @ Mojo