Phantom Limb

Bristol-based five-piece Phantom Limb may well be the most musically sophisticated (and satisfying) band the UK has produced in far too long a time.

Formed in 2004, individually the quintet has worked with the likes of Massive Attack, Bugz in the Attic, Skin, Jazzanova, Roni Size, Andy Sheppard, Emily Breeze, The New Mastersounds and Will Young. A stylistically diverse array that should tell you something about just what this fine ensemble is capable of. Appearances at this year's South By Southwest Festival and a scene-stealing spot on the Glastonbury Jazz World Stage in early summer saw eloquently accomplished sets garner the kind of rapturous acclaim that surely also awaits their eponymous debut.

What astonishes most is the sheer elegance and lightly-worn maturity of it all. Actually, that's not true. What astonishes most is just how good it is. A seamless amalgam of classic, late-night jazz, southern soul, country blues and gospel, this is intelligent music-making with impeccably high standards.

Few bands can boast a vocalist of the quality of Yolanda Quartey. Think Janis Ian crossed with Sister Rosetta Tharp. Equally, Etta James, Madeline Bell, Mahalia Jackson and Mavis Staples come to mind in a vain attempt to describe the unique blood pulse and heart-soaring beat of Quartey's burnished mahogany voice. It's put to blissfully intimate use on the emotionally torn Don't Say A Word, is anthemically defiant on Withering Bones, boldly corkscrews into the imagination in I'll Never Be The Same Again, and is fractured, fragile and vehement in equal measure on My Love Has Gone.

Few great voices get the backing they deserve, but Quartey can happily claim to be the exception to the rule. And if the knowing instrumental accompaniment provided here by Stew Jackson (guitar, pedal steel, banjo), Dan Brown (Bass, guitar), Matthew Jones (drums) and Dan Moore (piano, Hammond organ) is the result of a crack outfit firing majestically on all cylinders, the close-harmony vocals they also provide are no less compelling.

It seems inconceivable that there will be a more accomplished debut than this in 2008. A quality album, and band, to restore your faith in contemporary music. --Michael Quinn

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* The Phantom Limb sound is an indefinable blend of classic southern soul and country blues. They blend modern songwriting and rich acoustic music with powerful gospel-inflected vocals. Already comparisons are being made to Mavis Staples, Aretha Franklin and The Band. Their honest, melancholic, Bristolian edge creates one of the most original and compelling new propositions of recent years. * The self-titled debut album was the brainchild of Robot Club production team, whose recent writing/production credits also include Will Young, Skin (Skunk Anansie) and Fortune Drive. The album was recorded at their very own Robot Club Studios (Bristol) as well as Rockfields Studio (Monmouth) and Caveman Studios (Bristol). The album was mastered and cut for vinyl at Optimum Studios, Bristol by Shawn Joseph and Timothy Dennen.

* The group are epitomised by the fantastically bold yet intimately soulful vocals of Yolanda Quarty. The young 23-year-old has already experienced a world-tour fronting Massive Attack and provided vocals on half of MA's hotly tipped forthcoming album (due late 08), the majority of which was incidentally co-written and produced by Robot Club (PL's guitarist Stew Jackson and bassist Dan Brown). * This six-piece's unique sound has made an instant ascension within the industry. In March 2008 they played the famous SXSW in Austin, Texas, which led to countless festival offers including Glastonbury's Jazz World Stage in June 2008 and a record deal with Naim Edge! * The bands line-up represents the pick off Bristol's vibrant, almost incestuous music scene, including Dan Moore on keys (Elevator Suite/Cousteau/Andy Sheppard), Matt Jones on drums (Nuge/Emily Breeze), Luke Cawthra on lead guitar (Emily Breeze/Lena Rez/Nuge), alongside Yolanda Q (Bugs In The Attic), Stew (Milk with Ian Matthews, now of Kasabian) and Dan B (Ilya/Elevator Suite).