The Phantom Band: Checkmate Savage

Artist: The Phantom Band
Album: Checkmate Savage
Date Released: February 3, 2009
Genre: indie-rock, alternative rock
Rating: 7.8

Review: Hailing from Scotland, The Phantom Band's first studio release, Checkmate Savage, displays some very capable song-writing, but the arrangements could use some work. Musical influences on this album include Pavement and Stereolab. Track highlights include the extremely hooky "The Howling" and "Folksong Oblivion". Checkmate Savage sounds like an album that was produced by a veteran act -- definitely a band to keep an eye on.