WPGM Recommends: The Tempted – Passions & Misdemeanours (Album Review)

The Tempted are back. After decades of musical experimentation, solo ventures, and a rekindled partnership, Brian Callaghan and Michael McDonagh return with, Passions & Misdemeanours, a lean and captivating 13-track album that brings their distinct sound into a new era.

This is a record that cuts through the air like the soundtrack to a late-night film, all moody atmospheres and hypnotic synth-pop tinges, with an undercurrent of alternative rock grit and blues. In a world where nostalgia reigns, The Tempted have crafted something that feels both timeless and immediately relevant, proving why they remain one of the most potent forces in modern music.

Formed in 1990, The Tempted’s origins in Scotland’s alternative rock scene set the stage for a unique, genre-blurring musical identity. Their early demos caught the ear of major labels like Island Records, though a significant record deal never materialized.

Despite this, Brian and Michael’s passion for music never wavered. Brian continued to write prolifically, experimenting with a fusion of analogue and early digital recording techniques, while Michael stayed engaged with the industry. Though their paths diverged over time, their connection to The Tempted remained undying.

In 2021, after a few solo albums apiece, the duo reconnected, reigniting the creative spark that had defined their earlier work. This reunion has culminated in, Passions & Misdemeanours, an album that builds on everything The Tempted have explored throughout the years.

It’s a record born out of experience, blending genres like alternative rock, blues, and synth-pop in a way that feels entirely fresh yet deeply familiar. The duo’s raw energy is tempered by a polished, almost cinematic production, resulting in an album that feels like it could be the score to some forgotten midnight classic.

From the first track to the last, Passions & Misdemeanours, is a study in contradictions—gritty yet pristine, introspective but expansive. The album’s texture is the product of an ambitious and globally-reaching recording process.

Mixing duties were handled by Gunnar Smari Helgason in Iceland, while Ross Owen Campbell lent his expertise from the United States, not only mixing the record but also mastering it in New York. The result is an album that feels cosmopolitan in scope but intensely personal in execution.

One of the album’s most exciting features is its collection of guest collaborators. Mick MacNeil, the legendary keyboardist of Simple Minds, adds his distinctive touch, his synths weaving seamlessly into the fabric of the album’s sound. His contribution adds a layer of nostalgia, drawing on the 80s influences that have long shaped The Tempted’s sonic palette.

Meanwhile, Mary Kiani, a disco artist of some renown, makes a few select vocal appearances, lending a burst of energy and dynamism to the mix. The presence of bassist Shug Brankin is also noteworthy – his basslines drive the rhythm and groove of several tracks, providing a backbone that is at once infectious and unyielding.

A few standout tracks demonstrate exactly what makes, Passions & Misdemeanours, so compelling. “A Lonely Life” begins with a mournful, bluesy guitar riff before morphing into a sweeping anthem with shimmering synths and a soaring vocal melody. The song is a perfect example of the duo’s ability to build drama and emotion within a single track, creating a journey for the listener in just a few minutes.

“Love Love Love,” with its infectious beat and catchy chorus, encapsulates the more modern pop sensibilities that The Tempted now embrace, while still holding on to the foundational grit of their past. “Sailing Home” is the album’s emotional centrepiece, a song that balances vulnerability with hope, offering a sense of closure and resolution.

While, Passions & Misdemeanours, is undeniably a reflection of The Tempted’s past, it also represents a bold and exciting new chapter. There’s a renewed sense of purpose here – this is an album from a band that is fully in control of their sound and vision.

The chemistry between Brian and Michael has never been more potent, and their ability to blend influences from their extensive careers into something cohesive and fresh speaks to the strength of their partnership.

Their storytelling is more sophisticated than ever, with soaring melodies, intricate arrangements, and a palpable emotional depth. Each track feels like it’s telling a story, and the album as a whole invites listeners into an immersive sonic experience that never quite lets go.

The duo’s musical evolution is undeniable. After years of pursuing solo projects, Passions & Misdemeanours, represents the culmination of their individual journeys – a reflection of how far they’ve come while holding true to their roots. The album offers an honest window into their creative process, showcasing a sound that blends the past with the future in a way that feels organic rather than contrived.

For fans of The Tempted’s earlier work, this album will feel like a reunion with old friends. For new listeners, it’s a perfect introduction to a band that has always been on the periphery of mainstream recognition but has never been short of greatness.

Passions & Misdemeanours, is an album of depth, passion, and ambition, marking a new, exhilarating phase in the duo’s enduring career. It’s a reminder of why The Tempted remains one of the most influential and forward-thinking acts in modern music – a duo whose passion for their craft only grows stronger with time.

Listen to The Tempted’s Passions & Misdemeanours album below.

Words by Danielle Holian

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