2014 has seen something of a buzz return to the music world, as a number of superb albums have emerged over the last seven months. One of the very best is The Phantom Band‘s third full length, entitled ‘Strange Friend’. The Glasgow-based six piece are an open minded, forward thinking outfit with the ability to create a unique, cohesive sound from a range of styles that really shouldn’t fit together, while threading it all together with the sort of ear grabbing tunes that only truly great songwriting can produce. ‘Sweatbox’ sounds like disco music played on vintage organs and a load of old household junk, moving you through its seamless sections and locking you into its irresistible groove, before coming to a mighty climax. In terms of songwriting, they’ve clearly reached a new level.
Wonderfully constructed mixtures of folk, krautrock, prog, indie, power pop and psychedelica are lit up by magnificent instrumentation, as the band’s musical chemistry takes the songs in fascinating directions. ‘Strange Friend’ is one of those records that really will bring you joy. Don’t deprive yourself of its magic. Read my full album review HERE, where you can also stream this marvellous record in full. The band have confirmed a UK tour for later in the year, dates listed below…
