Ferron is far from being a young talent, having released 6 albums in the last 20 years. But her major label debut makes this Canadian a new player in the premier league of female singers/songwriters. Tori Amos and The Indigo Girls have to content themselves with backing vocals here, and rightly so, because Ferron has plenty to offer herself.
What is striking about this album is the stylistic diversity. From the powerful and energetic opening track "Stand Up", over the groovy "Indian Dreams", to the beautiful and romantic "Harmless Love". She also plays with African influences in "The Cart", and "Heart Of Destruction" has an irresistable calypso rhythm. Despite this wide scope, there is still enough consistency, which is mainly given by Ferron's dark, warm and expressive voice, and by the sheer quality of both the songs and the musical performance. There are also a bunch of tracks that are more in the "traditional" singer/songwriter style, mainly focusing on vocals and Ferron's acoustic guitar. "My, My" and "Higher Wisdom" are first class songs in this category.
Ferron's Phantom Center is a must for all fans of female artists like Sarah McLachlan or Jane Siberry and still a very worthwile buy for anybody with ears for excellent music in the best singer/songwriter tradition, plus more.
