Live Reviews

SXSW CMT NEWS (MTV Country) LIVE REVIEW March 2008

My Six Bands Worth Checking Out From South by Southwest

My favorite band I've seen so far is called Phantom Limb, fronted by a magnificent singer named Yolanda Quarty. They filled a Thursday afternoon (March 13) slot at Maria's Taco X-Press in South Austin -- perhaps the most famous taco joint in town. I had heard one of their songs online a few weeks ago, but I didn't anticipate that their music would move me so much, especially "Don't Say a Word." Backed by a very capable group of British guys (they're from Bristol in the UK), Quarty's controlled yet commanding voice somehow balanced out the mellow music behind her. I don't know that one would work without the other, but together, I was overcome with emotion. When I went up to the stage to meet her afterwards, she told me, "I was performing just for you. You have a very expressive face." What do you say to that

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GUITAR BREAK LIVE REVIEW Sept 2007

The name Phantom Limb has been banded around the office a lot recently, a name that conjures up thoughts of spandex, masks and large set props of monolithic and gothic stature.

Armed with an open mind I climb the grand steps of St George's, Bristol. A venue that I hadn't been to before but heard plenty about its acoustics.

Phantom Limb, goths? Hardly. I couldn't have been more wrong. The best way to describe them is 'jazzsoulcountryblues' and I may just patent that. Sounds awful I know but when Yolanda Quarty entered the stage you knew you were in the presence of talent.

Not only did the audience woop and holler like an American cinema crowd at the end of Independence Day, but Yolanda's dress was something to behold... and those breasts... Now I am not being sexist or lechy as indeed it was a young lady in the balcony that shouted "I love your boobs".

We all just happened to agree.

They swooped effortlessly into their first song (not the breasts), a soulful country 4 part harmony that exploded into life with Yolanda's awesome vocal power and control. Every sound, melody, rhythm and little touch was executed with such finesse and grace that it all just made perfect sense to the ear and indeed the soul.

Highlights included Playing With Death and Gillian Welch's cover of Dear Someone and the entire set played out with great pace and flow.

For me, Phantom Limb went beyond the famous adage that 'less is more' with the simple and often forgotten principle that great music is about playing the right things at the right time. Sounds obvious but may artists miss this in galactic proportions.

Luckily for us, they had talent in galactic proportions.

Phantom Limb's album 'Phantom Limb' is out in October but get yourself in front of them for something that will affect you somewhere deep inside, a place you didn't think you had. I place I now know I have.

Ron Samuel

Guitar Break Rating: 5/5