Backwater Zoo

The song "Backwater Zoo" by The Temperance Movement from their album A Deeper Cut carries a playful yet heartfelt vibe, inspired by lead singer Phil Campbell’s daughter, Roxy. In a 2018 interview with Glasgow Live, Campbell revealed that the song reflects his hometown of Glasgow, describing it as a "relatively small town but with a razor edge" that he carries with him. The track’s piano-driven melody, reminiscent of 1970s Elton John, and its humorous lyrics, like “Baby I would give you all the tea in China,” showcase Campbell’s affection for his daughter, with a nod to her lively spirit. A review from Sonic Perspectives noted the song’s Jimmy Page-esque guitar solo, adding a classic rock flair that elevates its quirky charm.

Social media buzz around "Backwater Zoo" highlights its impact on fans. A 2018 Facebook post by the band, featuring a live performance at YouTube Space London, garnered over 27,000 views and hundreds of comments, with fans praising its infectious energy. One fan commented, “DUUUUUDE I WANNA SEE PHIL PLAY MORE PIANO!!!” reflecting enthusiasm for Campbell’s keyboard work. Another fan on a lyrics site called the band “phenomenal,” lamenting they “should be huge” for A Deeper Cut. The song’s live debut during the band’s “Small Rooms and New Tunes” tour in 2017 left audiences hooked, as noted in a Get Ready to ROCK! review, which praised its immediate appeal.

The Temperance Movement formed in 2011, bringing together seasoned musicians with diverse backgrounds. Frontman Phil Campbell, born in Glasgow, had been honing his soulful vocals and songwriting in various projects before the band’s inception. Guitarists Luke Potashnick and Paul Sayer, both with prior experience in bands like Rooster and Ben’s Brother, connected with Campbell in London’s vibrant music scene. The rhythm section, featuring bassist Nick Fyffe, formerly of Jamiroquai, and Australian drummer Damon Wilson, who had played with Ray Davies and The Waterboys, rounded out the lineup. Their shared love for blues, rock, and soul fueled their chemistry, leading to the release of the Pride EP in 2012, which caught the attention of fans and critics alike. Their self-titled debut album in 2013 solidified their reputation for high-energy performances and raw, retro-inspired sound.

The band’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. By the time A Deeper Cut was released in 2018, they had faced lineup changes, with Potashnick leaving and Matt White joining on guitar, alongside Campbell’s public struggle with sobriety. Yet, as a Moshville Times review noted, these hardships fueled their most refined work, blending late-60s blues-rock with grunge influences from Soundgarden and The Black Crowes. Fans can connect with the band on their Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where they share tour updates and behind-the-scenes moments. Dedicated fan communities, like the Temperance Movement Fan Group on Facebook, offer spaces for “Zoo Freaks” to discuss the band’s music and share concert experiences, amplifying the communal spirit of their following.