One of the best debuts this year and one of the very finest albums this winter has come from, yes indeed, Scotland! The Phantom Band and their splendid record Checkmate Savage have digged up quite some critical praise and a fine base in the blogosphere as well. It’s no wonder, since their phantom blend of indie rock, krautrocky aesthetics and a breeze of musical folklore, is comfortably intriguing. Just like the artwork of the album suggests, The Phantom Band turn your world upside down but make it all seem so right and safe. It’s a journey through muffled environments of fuzzy electronics, groping guitars and charmingly half-hearted Fleet Foxes-y vocal harmonies. It sounds almost like everything seems after a few drinks. In other words, cliché music review words, it’s a strangely compelling debut that at the moment pleases but foremostly is foreboding a bright future for yet another band constellation.

Just like Swedish journalist Andres Lokko pointed out:  Is it a sheer coincidence that the band are namesakes with Can member Jaki Liebzeit’s side project? Or is it an aware homage to the Scots’ influences? They seem to have their phantomic visual approach ready on the net (e.g. the myspace), anyhow.

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Checkmate Savage

1. The Howling (6:35)
2. Burial Sounds (4:47)
3. Folk Song Oblivion (4:14)
4. Crocodile (7:42)
5. Halfhound (4:11)
6. Left Hand Wave (5:40)
7. Island (8:51)
8. Throwing Bones (5:01)
9. The Whole Is On My Side (7:53)