Produced by The Delgados’ Paul Savage, who cheekily gets his name mentioned in the title, this debut album by The Phantom Band saw widespread critical acclaim, but has been a little sidelined in recent years. I’m sure it’s because its various members have gone on to different projects lately.
What a fully- formed masterpiece though. Opener ‘The Howling’ is like Neu! if they came from Glasgow. ‘Folk Song Oblivion’ is a menacing, but humorous indie anthem. And the plaintive ‘Island’ made bearded men weep into their IPAs. I know, I was there. Rick Redbeard’s voice softened here and the irony was dropped. “Take me with you when you go”, he urged, and the audience would happily have followed him to the ends of the earth. I saw them at The Arches (RIP) around that time, and there were many teary-eyed strangers holding drinks aloft.
It’s best enjoyed indoors with some loved ones, a roaring fire and an alcoholic beverage, because that’s what it feels like. With folk, krautrock and indie influences, it’s right up there in the Scottish indie canon, and with good reason. It makes me feel nostalgic for when Glasgow seemed like a friendlier place to live.
