Phantom Limb - The Pines
When the words 'country' and 'soul' are mentioned in terms of music, a band originating from Bristol isn't exactly the first thing to spring to mind - that's Bristol, UK, not Bristol, Georgia or Bristol, Tennessee. Nevertheless, Phantom Limb is already making a name for themselves with their bluesy country-soul fusion.
There's no doubt that, excellent musicianship aside, frontwoman and vocalist Yolanda Quartey is the stand-out star. Her vocals are nothing short of phenomenal; she belts out the songs when needed, hitting every note, and yet still manages to showcase her ability to tone it down and provide a softer edge.
The steel guitar provides a definite twang to some of the songs that lodges in the consciousness almost like a fishing hook. The country feel is particularly strong on songs such as Laugh Like You're Mad, conjuring images of straw-hatted men and wagon rides down dusty roads.
On the other hand, songs like Hollow Eyes lean heavily towards the gospel feel, creating an almost reverent atmosphere as Quartey croons out the lyrics. Bonus track Angel of Death also swings towards the gospel, while allowing itself to be more upbeat than perhaps the title would imply. It's nothing that hasn't been heard before, but it's a sterling example of it. Enjoyable and intense, The Pines flows smoothly from start to finish.
The problem seems to be a lack of identity; the album was recorded in California which seeps through on every track, but without a nod to their English roots, there's just something missing - honesty, or perhaps just something raw and real. There's the Americana country feel, but just not enough British flavour to it. That's not to say that anything about The Pines is false; Quartey's vocals ring true and gritty, but it's missing some almost imperceptible quality.
And that's the predicament - technically, the album is brilliant. It's smooth and polished with Quartey and the band ripping through the songs with ease. Sadly, it just misses a defining moment. The Pines is an album that you won't want to end - but it may be difficult to remember once it's over.