Review
Phantom Limb: The Pines (Naim Edge)
8
7.9
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UK release date 12.02.2012
Bristol's country, soul and beyond band Phantom Limb return with their sophomore album "The Pines." Exquisitely produced and the perfect vehicle for lead singer Yolanda Quartey's imperious golden throated tones.
The group sound stronger than ever but as the first album was more or less all about burgeoning love, this one's about love degenerating. Double angst here from one of the most talented singers and robust but underrated bands out there.
Title track "The Pines" sees the lass just wanting to get away from the mess and fine some peace in them there hills. A gut bucket rolling rocker with divine backing vocals and some pure emotional conviction. The stark "Tumbling Down" hits a similar resonance too. With the classic line "I don't want to beg for your love, my knees aren't made for kneeling at your feet and all the pain inside me won't keep me afraid." I suppose the next logical step for Quartey is murder ballads! She pours her heart and soul into these fine tunes and she's hit her sweet spot with this material, even if the subject matter is amplifying...
You can read the rest of this review in our Winter 2011/12 printed edition - order your copy below.
Words Emrys Baird
