Phantom Limb feat Massive Attack singer Yolanda Quartey

Fronted by sometime Massive Attack singer Yolanda Quartey whose been deservedly compared to such greats as Etta James and Mavis Staples, the Bristolian sextet stir together a heady concoction of southern soul, gospel, country blues and jazz with influences drawn from such diverse names as Gillian Welch, the Band, Aretha Franklin, The Impressions and even such early Rod Stewart albums as An Old Raincoat and Gasoline Alley.

They’re out on tour promoting new album, The Pines (Naim Edge), a worthy sequel to their self-titled debut that opens in sizzling gear with the  title track’s soulful Americana and gospel before taking a downbeat turn with the lone drumbeat blues of Tumbling Down that, like Withering Bones on the debut, has its roots in the old plantation laments.

And that’s the balance they generally strike throughout, turning  the groove back up for the organ driven Give Me A Reason’s Bonnie Raitt hued blues, the Exile On Main Street  shaped R&B of new single Gravy Train and the Southern country soul Missy with its echoes of Skynyrd and Young. while favouring more of a slow smoulder on the likes of  I’ll Have Mercy, New Orleans slow march sway Badge of Descension with its bluesy piano solo, and the Welch-shaped organic country of Laugh Like You’re Mad and It’s The Only Way.  

They don’t break out on disc as much as they could, but given room to flex muscles and jam live, the  bar room gospel atmosphere should be of furnace proportions.THIS THURSDAY 1ST MARCH 7.30pm. £6.50adv. Hare & Hounds, Kings Heath