The Phantom Band

The Phantom Band emerged from a chaotic and enigmatic past marked by ceaseless rebrandings such as Les Crazy Boyz, Tower of Girls, Robert Redford, and Robert Louis Stevenson, alongside a string of little-known cassette and CDR issues plus assorted side pursuits. With the arrival of Checkmate Savage in 2009 the ensemble appeared to lock in both its moniker and a core aesthetic fusing noise, folk, and brooding dark elements reminiscent of Nick Cave. Unpredictable stage appearances became a hallmark, featuring such tactics as donning bags over their heads or deploying Stairmasters to put the crowd through a workout. That approach stems from the Glaswegians’ playful outlook and willingness to experiment, qualities most evident in the group’s wide-ranging, explosive compositions. Their second album under the Phantom Band banner, The Wants, surfaced in late 2010 and prompted a trip across the Atlantic for slots at the CMJ Music Marathon plus support dates alongside fellow Scots Frightened Rabbit. Because all six members maintained separate endeavors, three more years passed before the third full-length, Strange Friend, appeared in 2014. Seven cuts drawn from those sessions formed the basis of the seven-track sequel Fears Trending, which followed in January 2015.