The Phantom Band
‘The Wants’
(Chemikal Underground)

Scottish fivesome The Phantom Band’s second offering is an intense, beguiling listen. ‘O’, ‘Everybody Knows It’s True’ and ‘Goodnight Arrow’ are delivered with theatrically succinct harmonies and folk melodies, with heavy fuzz guitars, imploding synthesisers and poly-rhythmic vocals signifying an imminent rupture of sound. Elsewhere, ‘The None Of One’ and ‘Come Away In The Dark’ welcome a lighter, more romantic side. Much like its predecessor, every track on ‘The Wants’ has an individuality that encapsulates different facets of The Phantom Band’s sound: there’re nods to Sonic Youth’s alternative tunings and Editors’ gloomy lyrical musings. It’s an album oozing raw talent, and even if at times they hide behind their influences, ‘The Wants’ is definitely a promising step in the right direction.

Rosie Skinner