Phantom Blue--Full Blown (1998/Phantom Blue)
Rating--8.0

The all-female band which gave us the crunching 'Built to Perform' threatens to make a major comeback. Relegated to self- production and promotion, the nasty-ass, riff-based songwriting is starting to rear its oh-so-sweet head once again.
This EP features a new singer, though the band's overall feel and sound remains intact. The distortion is a bit murky--which is the biggest drawback-- but that can be expected with the production and CD-burning. There are plenty of underlying chops, and some great vocal melodies. In all this is the heaviest and toughest work since 'BTP'--hopefully one of the many minor metal labels that has been popping up will take another chance on these girls. I'd love to see these tracks remastered--and a new slab of cuts released, as well.
A heavy pulse rhythm kicks off "I'm So Happy," and "Cookie" comes forth with swift and choppy verses. Nice pull-offs stand out in "My Turn," and "Chance on You" is also solid. The best track may be the last, as "Turnaround" has a nasty strut, and great riff rolls to boot.
To the best of my knowledge, this can only be obtained directly from the band. But spread the word...
TRACK LIST: I'm So Happy/Cookie/My Turn/Chance On You/Turnaround

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