Phantom Limb have been a performing act since 2008 when they released their debut album 'Phantom Limb', alongside the single 'Don't say a word'. Their first album was produced by the bands guitarist Stew Jackson but for their second album they have stepped away from the safety of their hometown to record in California with Marc Ford, formerly of The Black Crowes. They have also stepped out of the shade and into a sound that is their own. It is a record drenched in soul/Rnb and country, which is a mix that still seems relatively unexplored.
The album begins with title track 'The Pines' which immediately shows us the two things that will make this album something special. That is the musicianship of the band and the vocals of Yolanda Quartey. 'Gonna start living for myself, living free.' This chorus is powerful and it excites you for what the rest of the album holds. 'Tumbling down' begins with deep drums before Yolanda steps in to show us another side to the incredible instrument that is her voice. A softer voice is heard this time and she takes it down and controls the song until some great tones are reached and there is some exquisite playing on guitar and piano. 'My knees aren't made for kneeling at your feet.'
The album is drenched in a country sound and 'Give me a reason' is the first to take you out into the vastness. It is a track surrounded by slide guitar, organ and gospel-like backing vocals. The band are from the far west, but it is Bristol, not California that is their home town. They don't seem to have maintained the rawness of a lot of Bristol's music scene, and perhaps recorded this album in California to capture the escape that Yolanda writes and sings about throughout.
'I'll have mercy' is another track with beautiful singing and really shows the capabilities of the bands musicianship. They are a band who work to compliment a song and not to show off their talents. Each song is well structured and flows between the parts brilliantly.
The album hits perhaps it's highest point with 'Gravy train' which begins with a lush guitar sound and builds tension before Yolanda comes in to give the track real power. 'Say sorry to your mother, I’m going to leave you in a spot'. 'Badge of descension' is next and creeps in and pushed along until Yolanda sings 'darkness surrounds me like an old dirty coat, I welcome it home cause it helps me to float'.
Her voice is superb and you always feel like it's about to explode and elevate towards the sky. It often doesn't and she can reel it in and keep it soft and complimenting the song, which much be a hard thing to do with such lungs. 'Missy' is another strong track full of country chimes and soulful singing, as they sing, 'did you see old missy living her life in vain', 'too hard to love her too easy too walk away.'
This album is not hard to love, it is heartfelt and full of well written songs and powerful lyrics. It does at times revert to the mellow when you feel it could lift the roof off. It did though find its way happily into my collection and I look forward to seeing what this band can offer live.
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The album begins with title track 'The Pines' which immediately shows us the two things that will make this album something special. That is the musicianship of the band and the vocals of Yolanda Quartey. 'Gonna start living for myself, living free.' This chorus is powerful and it excites you for what the rest of the album holds. 'Tumbling down' begins with deep drums before Yolanda steps in to show us another side to the incredible instrument that is her voice. A softer voice is heard this time and she takes it down and controls the song until some great tones are reached and there is some exquisite playing on guitar and piano. 'My knees aren't made for kneeling at your feet.'
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