With an exciting blend of country and soul and fronted by the amazing voice of the supremely talented Yolanda Quartey, Phantom Limb sound as though they should have been conceived in Muscle Shoals, Alabama rather than Bristol, England.
Few bands are fortunate to have a singer as evocative and inspiring as Yolanda and notwithstanding the influences of Mahalia Jackson, Mavis Staples. Etta James and Aretha Franklin the sound she makes is entirely her own.
"Pines" is the groups second studio album, recorded in California and produced by Marc Ford of The Black Crowes. It features eleven songs written by the band members, one by Ford and a cd bonus track, Hank Williams' "Angels Of Death". The original songs are all high on emotion, melodically beautiful and with emotive lyrics. "It's The Only Way" is heart wrenching.
The four piece band give Quartey the backing her stunning voice deserves and guitars, pedal steel, drums, piano, Hammond organ and close harmony vocals make an intoxicating brew. This is contemporary British music at its very best. Phantom Limb deserve greater recognition.