10 October 2010
Bluesandsoul.com
FULL TEXT HERE
Bristolian balladeers Phantom Limb excel on their new offering which shows off their live prowess thus solidifying their identity and marking them out as one of the best live UK acts in a longtime.
Their craft and melodic inventiveness are really second to none, and key to their evolution from a country blues/R&B-based form is a matured style all of their of own that has become tightly honed and equally visceral.
Their phenomenal cohesion is due,in large degree, to most of the group having known each other and played together in Bristol for several years before they began to take off.
Gilt edged compositions such as the opener 'Run' with it's brooding pensive piano chords and jangly acoustic build with a terrific intensity and highlight the close harmonies and melodic magic these guys possess. 'Tumbling Down' pretty much carries on like the opener, just as strong with some choice solo fretwork that's interjected by an equally good piece of organ playing.These songs and this band have real depth.
With such a lot to choose from,the standout track for me is 'Waiting Around To Fall' which sees Yolanda Quartey reaching literally new heights the vocally soaring songbird and her sensual falsetto will make you weep and the band bolster her every part of the journey. This is seat of the pants stuff, exhilarating throughout and coupled with the most sublime piece of guitar playing I've heard in ages it really tops this treasure off sweetly. These guys are the perfect creative palette for the bristolian diva.
Phantom Limb exemplify what good music is all about and what a fantastic dynamic this close unit possess! They are are a real, bone fide rocking band, free of the layers of clichéd rhetoric that tarnish many other acts, cherish them with all your might. Unflinching stuff with unmatched songwriting savvy!