Come on, Phil doesn't have the same bluesy tone as Richie, but that's just pure exaggeration.

Phil X & the Drills - Playing Fair - YouTube

My problem with Richie's lead vocals in the past 3 years is that he's sloppy. He mumbles, mixes words up, and his timing is totally off at times (something that Jon is very guilty of too). Even in that performance of These Days, his range sounds decent at times, but it's his performance that drags the chorus down. As the only guitarist in the Drills, Phil manages to play all the rhythm and some lead, and still sing with passion and hit fairly decent notes. I don't know that much by the Drills, so I don't know if that's even a good example. Phil's a professional in the true sense of the word - so yes I do think he can "hold a candle to" Richie's current vocals.