Phoria
Encyclopedia
Phoria is a 5-piece band from Brighton, with influences ranging from Radiohead
and Elbow
, to Sigur Rós
and Cinematic Orchestra.
In August 2010, Phoria released the anticipated E.P. 'Yourself Still' as a pay-what-you-want download (available here). The success of this release has accelerated the production of the new project "Bloodworks", which is scheduled for release in autumn 2011. The band have made preview material for the forthcoming EP available here. Phoria have been seen alongside Little Dragon
on their 2010 UK tour, and perform regularly in the South East and across the UK.
) and Ed Sanderson (keyboard
/violin
/vocals) started learning cello and violin together at their primary school in Wiltshire, cultivating a talent that would later lead them to perform in orchestras across the county. At the same time, Jeb Hardwick (guitar
/visuals) was taking lessons in classical guitar, and when Trewin picked up the guitar and Ed began to play piano
, the three of them began their first creative endeavours together. Regular performances and songwriting sessions would continue for several years, but the young musicians were unable to fulfil their potential before separating for university.
Ed continued to study music for his degree, where he developed an in-depth understanding of music theory
and remarkable skill on both violin and piano. Jeb began a sociology degree, spending much of his spare time experimenting with music software and visual arts, whilst continuing to hone his signature style on guitar.
Trewin attended the unique performing arts college of Dartington in the Devon countryside, where he started a fine art course, before being drawn back to music by the inspiring musicians and environment that surrounded him. His lack of willingness to stick to the curriculum, however, meant that he left without a degree, but armed with something perhaps more valuable; a wealth of over 200 developing compositions and songs ready to be brought to life by the right band, and an individual voice with the confidence to use it.
When Trewin, Ed, and Jeb were re-united in 2009, they realised their collective passion was stronger than ever, and set out to complete their band.
With their collective history the boys’ previous friendship and constant musical exploration allowed a rare chemistry to form between them. Jeb and Ed had met a quite spectacular guitarist named Tim Douglas whilst at Southampton University, who was keen to turn his talents to bass to complete the line-up.
Phoria's drummer Seryn Burden joined the band in August 2011 straight from the Brighton Institute of Modern Music
where drumming was not only his first passion but also his major course and was baptised by fire when he played his debut performance at the hugely successful Playgroup Festival in Kent
. Seryn replaced drummer Ross Crick who left the band in June 2011.
. Popular blog The Sirens Sound reviewed the EP, stating that '[Yourself Still]...carries various musical vibes from cinematic orchestra to post-rock and indie-rock to a stunning pop environment leading the overall outcome of this record to blazed emotion.' Describing Phoria as 'A band you definitely want to keep an eye on.' Similarly, online alternative music zine InForty.com described the EP as 'A delicate mix of indie and post-rock', continuing: 'Phoria...already boast a sophisticated and polished sound. It’s a mournful one too, but they don’t dwell on it – there’s too much progression and dreamy ambition for that.'
The EP was also featured on CDBaby's music discovery podcast
in July 2011.
. Popular music blog therecommender.net, when reviewing preview material from the bands forthcoming EP, wrote 'This...isn’t just reminiscent of Radiohead, this is reminiscent of Radiohead at their best.' Martin Grech
, Cinematic Orchestra, and Elbow are also major influences.
Radiohead
Radiohead are an English rock band from Abingdon, Oxfordshire, formed in 1985. The band consists of Thom Yorke , Jonny Greenwood , Ed O'Brien , Colin Greenwood and Phil Selway .Radiohead released their debut single "Creep" in 1992...
and Elbow
Elbow (band)
Elbow are an English rock band. They have played together since 1990 and recorded five studio albums, the most recent of which is Build a Rocket Boys!, released in March 2011...
, to Sigur Rós
Sigur Rós
Sigur Rós is an Icelandic post-rock band with classicaland minimalist elements. The band is known for its ethereal sound, and frontman Jónsi Birgisson's falsetto vocals and use of bowed guitar. In January 2010, the band announced that they will be on hiatus. Since then, it has since been announced...
and Cinematic Orchestra.
In August 2010, Phoria released the anticipated E.P. 'Yourself Still' as a pay-what-you-want download (available here). The success of this release has accelerated the production of the new project "Bloodworks", which is scheduled for release in autumn 2011. The band have made preview material for the forthcoming EP available here. Phoria have been seen alongside Little Dragon
Little Dragon
Little Dragon are a Swedish electronic band, formed in Gothenburg in 1996. It consists of Swedish-Japanese singer Yukimi Nagano and her close high school friends Erik Bodin , Fredrik Källgren Wallin and Håkan Wirenstrand .Little Dragon's first release was the double A-side 7" single...
on their 2010 UK tour, and perform regularly in the South East and across the UK.
Biography
Phoria's origins can be traced to 15 years ago, when Trewin Howard (vocals/guitarGuitar
The guitar is a plucked string instrument, usually played with fingers or a pick. The guitar consists of a body with a rigid neck to which the strings, generally six in number, are attached. Guitars are traditionally constructed of various woods and strung with animal gut or, more recently, with...
) and Ed Sanderson (keyboard
Keyboard instrument
A keyboard instrument is a musical instrument which is played using a musical keyboard. The most common of these is the piano. Other widely used keyboard instruments include organs of various types as well as other mechanical, electromechanical and electronic instruments...
/violin
Violin
The violin is a string instrument, usually with four strings tuned in perfect fifths. It is the smallest, highest-pitched member of the violin family of string instruments, which includes the viola and cello....
/vocals) started learning cello and violin together at their primary school in Wiltshire, cultivating a talent that would later lead them to perform in orchestras across the county. At the same time, Jeb Hardwick (guitar
Guitar
The guitar is a plucked string instrument, usually played with fingers or a pick. The guitar consists of a body with a rigid neck to which the strings, generally six in number, are attached. Guitars are traditionally constructed of various woods and strung with animal gut or, more recently, with...
/visuals) was taking lessons in classical guitar, and when Trewin picked up the guitar and Ed began to play piano
Piano
The piano is a musical instrument played by means of a keyboard. It is one of the most popular instruments in the world. Widely used in classical and jazz music for solo performances, ensemble use, chamber music and accompaniment, the piano is also very popular as an aid to composing and rehearsal...
, the three of them began their first creative endeavours together. Regular performances and songwriting sessions would continue for several years, but the young musicians were unable to fulfil their potential before separating for university.
Ed continued to study music for his degree, where he developed an in-depth understanding of music theory
Music theory
Music theory is the study of how music works. It examines the language and notation of music. It seeks to identify patterns and structures in composers' techniques across or within genres, styles, or historical periods...
and remarkable skill on both violin and piano. Jeb began a sociology degree, spending much of his spare time experimenting with music software and visual arts, whilst continuing to hone his signature style on guitar.
Trewin attended the unique performing arts college of Dartington in the Devon countryside, where he started a fine art course, before being drawn back to music by the inspiring musicians and environment that surrounded him. His lack of willingness to stick to the curriculum, however, meant that he left without a degree, but armed with something perhaps more valuable; a wealth of over 200 developing compositions and songs ready to be brought to life by the right band, and an individual voice with the confidence to use it.
When Trewin, Ed, and Jeb were re-united in 2009, they realised their collective passion was stronger than ever, and set out to complete their band.
With their collective history the boys’ previous friendship and constant musical exploration allowed a rare chemistry to form between them. Jeb and Ed had met a quite spectacular guitarist named Tim Douglas whilst at Southampton University, who was keen to turn his talents to bass to complete the line-up.
Phoria's drummer Seryn Burden joined the band in August 2011 straight from the Brighton Institute of Modern Music
Brighton Institute of Modern Music
BIMM Brighton & Bristol Institutes of Modern Music in England is an independent college of popular music based in the cities of Brighton & Hove and Bristol...
where drumming was not only his first passion but also his major course and was baptised by fire when he played his debut performance at the hugely successful Playgroup Festival in Kent
Kent
Kent is a county in southeast England, and is one of the home counties. It borders East Sussex, Surrey and Greater London and has a defined boundary with Essex in the middle of the Thames Estuary. The ceremonial county boundaries of Kent include the shire county of Kent and the unitary borough of...
. Seryn replaced drummer Ross Crick who left the band in June 2011.
Yourself Still
The band's first EP Yourself Still was released in 2010 and earned positive reviews across the blogosphereBlogosphere
The blogosphere is made up of all blogs and their interconnections. The term implies that blogs exist together as a connected community or as a social network in which everyday authors can publish their opinions...
. Popular blog The Sirens Sound reviewed the EP, stating that '[Yourself Still]...carries various musical vibes from cinematic orchestra to post-rock and indie-rock to a stunning pop environment leading the overall outcome of this record to blazed emotion.' Describing Phoria as 'A band you definitely want to keep an eye on.' Similarly, online alternative music zine InForty.com described the EP as 'A delicate mix of indie and post-rock', continuing: 'Phoria...already boast a sophisticated and polished sound. It’s a mournful one too, but they don’t dwell on it – there’s too much progression and dreamy ambition for that.'
The EP was also featured on CDBaby's music discovery podcast
Podcast
A podcast is a series of digital media files that are released episodically and often downloaded through web syndication...
in July 2011.
Style
Phoria draw on a wide range of musical genres to create their unique sound. The chordal guitar figures and often dense instrumentation draw comparisons to such bands as Radiohead, Sigur Rós, and MewMew (band)
Mew is a Danish alternative music band consisting of Jonas Bjerre, Bo Madsen, and Silas Utke Graae Jørgensen. Bassist Johan Wohlert was also a founding member of the band, but left in 2006...
. Popular music blog therecommender.net, when reviewing preview material from the bands forthcoming EP, wrote 'This...isn’t just reminiscent of Radiohead, this is reminiscent of Radiohead at their best.' Martin Grech
Martin Grech
Martin Grech is a Maltese-English singer, songwriter and musician from Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire.-Career:He first achieved critical acclaim after his falsetto track, "Open Heart Zoo" was featured on a Lexus advert on British television in 2002...
, Cinematic Orchestra, and Elbow are also major influences.
Live performances
When playing live the band employ a dramatic audio/visual show, often playing to video backdrops (created by guitarist Jeb Hardwick). Various examples of live visuals, videos, and performances can be viewed at the band's Youtube channel.Discography
- Yourself Still (EP) (2010)
- Bloodworks (EP) (forthcoming, scheduled autumn 2011)