By Kevin Scott
Glasgow-based The Phantom Band are back with their third album of, ahem, folksperimentation, and from the first listen it becomes apparent that the world has been a quieter place since the hiatus that followed sophomore effort The Wants in 2011.
From the offset of Strange Friend we're drawn in by frontman Rick Anthony, whose voice is as warm and welcoming as a whisky in front of an open fireplace. Indeed opener and lead single ‘The Wind that Cried the World’ showcases him, and the band, at their best, in a heady mix of electronic mayhem, strong melody and the subtle textures often employed by a band who this writer once saw bring 184,000 instruments on stage with them for a 40 minute set. Or something around that number. It’s a song that Anthony himself says “acts as a nice opener and first single; a sort of a statement of intent after being away for so long."
This upbeat pace continues with the sonic merry-go-round that is 'Clapshot'. If this song ever gets a video and the band aren't featured riding hobbies horses there's something far wrong. The vocal quivers under distortion as guitars and accordion are backed by some heavy drumming. It's Anthony who excels again: "all your wars..." providing a soaring chorus. The track ends in refreshing madness, with drums and organ pushed to the brink.
The band's extended break has resulted in a softer sound in places. There was always a chance of The Phantom Band going the way of The Flaming Lips, and while the latter have delved deeper into the realms of experimentation, The Phantom Band have managed to stay on the right side of radio-friendly while using the recording of this album as an outlet for the individual creativity of each of the six band member's personalities. The end result is that Strange Friend is probably their most approachable work yet. Even the more out-there tracks on this album would be a treat if played solo on acoustic guitar; it's the layers and depth that are added which differentiates the band, along the warmth of Anthony’s vocal.
From the huge guitar riffs on ‘Doom Patrol’ to the more focused experimentation of ‘Galapagos’ there’s plenty to play with. It’s with tracks like ’The Wind That Cried The World’ and ‘(Invisible) Friends’ that the album really sticks in the mind though.
Moving between more radio-friendly tracks and the sharper experiments provides engagement with the listener, and it’s a hugely rewarding album for those who pay attention to the delicate subtleties of the sounds. From Anthony’s ability to channel Nick Cave in places, to the sheer complexity of the arrangements, Strange Friend is worthy of high praise, ‘Sweatbox' in particular standing out for offering so much more than it could have been in the hands of lesser mortal. The Phantom Band are sonic experimenters par excellence. Long may they reign in our ears.
Live dates:
Tue 3 Jun 2014 Glasgow The Art School
Wed 4 Jun 2014 London Hoxton Bar & Grill
Thu 5 Jun 2014 Manchester The Deaf Institute
Fri 6 Jun 2014 Aberdeen The Tunnels
