From the opening strains of “Heart Is A Highway” Freddy And The Phantoms sound like they belong in some sun-dappled place in the West of the USA. The sweet harmonies, the keyboards solo, the laid-back vibe.
Even the harmonica-driven “Skeleton Man” doesn’t sound primal like some blues does. Instead, there’s a warmth.
It comes as a shock, therefore to find that Freddy isn’t from across the pond, but rather the North Sea (unless they’ve moved Denmark). One of them is called Freddy, though. Frederik Schnoor has a fabulous voice for this sort of thing and “Blues Trap” rather underlines the skill too.
You have heard all this before, but so what? The acoustic “Blood” is searching (“been praying but nothing occurs” sings Schnoor) “Get High” has found it, but it boogies like Elvis.
“Tuesday’s Gone” isn’t a Skynyrd cover, but it does add to a sort of pick n mix of US styles. “Time Flies By” does likewise, but it’s more country. The fact they clearly it is the 1960s like on “Morning Mist” is pleasingly endearing, and the way they stomp about on “I’ve Been Waiting So Long” is fun. So is the whole record.
One of those records that’s clearly obviously played by people who love what they do, but even more importantly do what they love. The fact they talk movingly about a trip to Astbury Park tells you they have a deep love of their craft. And “Heathen Gospels” is proof they have plenty to preach about.
Rating 8/10
