ALBUM REVIEWS
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ALBUM REVIEWS |
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Phantom Limb
PHANTOM LIMB NAIM EDGE 9.11.09 @www.vanguard-online.co.uk
Given this band’s Bristolian background history I think I knew what to expect from this release. Vocals are provided by Yolanda Quarty, who currently supplies the vocal element to Massive Attack’s sonic assault, is notable amongst many other contributors from the South-West city’s inhabitants. However, on first run through it felt like there was a certain lack of an ‘edge’ usually apparent in albums by the likes of Massive Attack or Portishead. This was despite obviously masterly crafted songs, and an intimate soulful feel – but nothing seemed to particularly stand out and things just felt a bit toooo smooth for my initial liking. I should have had a bit more faith - it proves to be one of those albums that although not an instant attention-grabber, on the third or fourth listen pulls you tantalisingly in until you are putty in its skilful hands. By then the combination of graceful arrangements, heartfelt strumming/picking of acoustic guitars, tinkling piano and gently brushed drums have won you over. That’s even before you utterly fall for that sweet, smouldering voice. The fact that such soulful vocals are juxtaposed with lyrics which have a darker tone adds to the intrigue ‘I don’t wanna fade into withering bones, no I don’t wanna die alone…’ Quarty intones with emotion soaring through her voice on ‘Withering Bones’. Oddly that third of fourth listen for me was when driving – and I wasn’t expecting it to work as an in the car listen, but it did seem to suit the environment - maybe being on motorway auto-pilot allowed me to appreciate the subtle nuances of the album without too much distraction. There’s a gospel feel which binds together the whole thing without quite reflecting an overblown Kenny Everett style parody of that genre – younger viewers ask your mums and dads. Exquisite slide guitar adds a country tinge to a number of tracks but the over-riding impression is left by the deeply passionate vocal. Apparently the band created quite a stir at the Austin, Texas SXSW festival this summer. And you can understand why when fully immersing yourself within this album’s sultry charms. www.phantomlimbmusic.com |
