Imagine the best vocal elements of Aretha Franklin, Stevie Nicks and Alison Krauss all manifested in one phenomenal folk-tinged, soulful country-blues-meets-gospel voice; Phantom Limb's Yolanda Quartey, a voice in a million and a true shining talent of this release, is that exact manifestation. On this live, hometown recording showcasing material from their self-titled debut album, Bristol based country-soul collective Phantom Limb evidence their astute musicality and songwriting ability with sensitive instrumental accompaniments perfectly complimenting Quartey's outstanding vocals.
Opening track 'Run' begins with smooth, soulful vocals over a gentle bed of picked acoustic guitar and delicate piano before the addition of appropriately subtle drums and bass. The music, especially Quartey's vocals, is incredibly easy on the ear with bluesy piano flourishes dusting across its surface throughout. Eventually it kicks into a heavier, pushy song with more intent in the combined pair of drums and bass and intermittent waves of dialogue between the piano and electric guitar. Applying much the same refined recipe, 'Tumbling Down' has a beautifully moving, steady blues feeling which gradually gathers determination and drive throughout, getting louder and well-worked firstly with a bluesy electric guitar solo and then leading into a soulful Hammond organ solo really pushing forward to the final chorus.
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