25 August 2008
Bristol Evening Post


You wouldn't know it listening to them, but Phantom Limb are a Bristol band. Not for them and the adherence to the sound that our city has become famous for. Describing themselves as soul/rock/country, it works in general terms but simplifies them at the same time. Yolanda Quarty has a voice that brings mind to Mavis Staples, and Don't Say A Word is a fantastic song that sets out their stall nicely. Over the next nine tracks, a fantastic mix of pedal steel and acoustic guitars add an ache to add to underscore the melodic lyrics. Musically diverse and uncluttered, the four members mesh perfectly and have the sense to open with the catchy numbers before allowing introspection to take hold. It's often easy to get geographically proud of a band, but for once Phantom Limb deserve the attention they'll no doubt receive.