Such was my enthusiasm with the band's self-titled debut, that I have been waiting for the follow-up record with much anticipation. Granted, The Temperance Movement continue delivering some fine classic/blues rock tunes with no change in style or ideology. However, apart from the fact that White Bear clocks around 35 minutes, I needed many listenings to pick out some highlights here. I did not find "Three Bulleits" impressive, "Get Yourself Free" and "White Bear" are typical TTM tracks, while "I Hope I'm Not Losing My Mind" could be discribed as a flat filler ballad. What I did found of interest though was "Battle Lines", a track possibly left out from the debut album, the killer "Modern Massacre" with the chunky riff and the growling vocals. "Oh Lorraine" has a drilling guitar melody and along with its catchy rhythm could have become something big but any potential was killed at the chorus. It worths mentioning "A Pleasant Peace I Feel" which starts with some sweet bass notes and a delicate guitar melody indicating that this would be a ballad song. As it builds up however, it takes a courageous twist and out of nowhere it transforms to the most adventurous track of the record. r
Bump |
