Hooffoot, a Swedish ensemble melding Progressive and Jazz Rock with unmistakable nods to the early ’70s Canterbury Scene, deliver their third full‑length “Phantom Limb“ on April 3, 2025. Across four expansive compositions—each clocking between eight and fourteen minutes—the band unfolds a richly woven tapestry of intricate interplay, shifting time signatures, and evocative atmospheres. The title track, “Phantom Limb,” sets the stage with tribal percussion that builds into a sweeping crescendo, layering guitars, keyboards, bass, and drums in ever‑evolving counterpoint. Retro‑tinged harmonies meet contemporary textures as the central theme continually morphs, showcasing Hooffoot’s flair for Jazz‑Rock sophistication. On “When the Insane Go Marching In,” Hooffoot plunge deeper into Canterbury‑inspired territory. Interlaced guitar motifs ride a propulsive bass groove while the keyboards add vibrant harmonic color. Although the piece wears its early ’70s influences proudly, the band’s modern sensibility shines through in the polished fusion of Jazz‑Rock complexity and Progressive‑Rock expansiveness. With “Liisa (A Finnish Spectrolite),” the group offers a groove‑laden excursion just over eight minutes long. Flute and synthesizer embellishments dance atop a muscular rhythm section, weaving together Krautrock motor‑rhythms, Space‑Rock spaciousness, and soulful‑jazz warmth. The track’s spirited solos and bold tempo shifts highlight Hooffoot’s technical prowess before settling into an unexpectedly mellow, Jazz‑inflected coda. Closing the album, “Last Letter Home” unfolds as an epic suite exceeding fourteen minutes. Its spacious, Jazz‑Rock opening—guitar prominently featured—gives way to a journey through varied meters and moods. Here, Prog’s grand ambition, Jazz’s improvisatory spirit, and Krautrock’s hypnotic pulse converge in a sequence of sophisticated, meticulously arranged passages. “Phantom Limb “not only fulfills the promise of Hooffoot’s earlier work but elevates it into a more mature, intricately crafted realm. By traversing Progressive, Jazz Rock, and Krautrock—while honoring the spirit of the original Canterbury Scene—this album stands as a must‑hear for anyone craving Jazz‑infused Prog with exceptional instrumental depth and compositional finesse.
Tracklist
01. Phantom Limb (11:18)
02. When the Insane Go Marching In (11:47)
03. Liisa (a Finnish Spectrolite) (08:38)
04. Last Letter Home (14:45)
Lineup
Pär Hallgren / Electric Bass and Effects
Jacob Hamilton / Drums
Jocke Jönsson / Electric Guitar, Effects
Bengt Wahlgren / Electric Pianos, Organs and Synthesizers
Guest Appearances By:
Samuel Lundström / Violin
Nelson Golott Rivera / Percussion
Fredrik Kronkvist / Bass Clarinet, Trnasverse Flute
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