PHORIA is a unique 5-piece band from Brighton, with influences ranging from Radiohead and Elbow, to Sigur Ros and Cinematic Orchestra, producing varied, emotionally charged music.
Phoria began over 15 years ago when Trewin Howard (vocals/ guitar) and Ed Sanderson (keyboards/ 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 jam 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. Ross Crick, whom the boys had known in secondary school, has been playing the drums since the age of 15. With their collective history and his proficiency on the instrument, Ross was a natural choice as drummer for Phoria. 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.
The band believe that they are at their best when playing live, and have recently been seen supporting Gorillaz collaborators Little Dragon, brit-pop veterans Dodgy and up-and-coming band A Genuine Freakshow.. The band were also invited to perform at the Playgroup and Godsplash festivals during summer 2010.
When playing at Lewisham’s Dirty South, Phoria caught the attention of producer Dan Lucas. He felt the band’s material and performance was so strong that he offered his time for free so the band could record their debut E.P. 'Yourself Still' at Anchor Baby studios in the Kent countryside.
In August 2010, PHORIA released the anticipated E.P. 'Yourself Still' as a pay-what-you-want download available at:http://www.phoria.bandcamp.com/. They are working on securing a wider release of the material with a view to making a full-length record, and are also looking to tour more extensively.
'A Brighton band who mix Radiohead with Sigur Ros. Could be big...' Jeff Hemmings (Radio Reverb)
‘One of the best bands I've ever heard: Phoria really are something else Imagine it sounding a bit like Elbow meets Coldplay meets Sunny Day Real Estate. It's dark, beautiful and very very awesome!’ - Dan Lucas (http://www.anchorbabyrecordings.blogspot.com/ )
'Beautiful melodic landscapes... enchanting' - Playgroup
Join their FACEBOOK page here - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Phoria/249434031394?ref=mf
You can subscribe to their YOUTUBE video channel here - http://www.youtube.com/user/phoriamusic
Or follow them on TWITTER here - http://twitter.com/phoriamusic
you can find more demos on LAST.FM here - http://www.last.fm/music/phoria
Read more: http://www.myspace.com/phoriamusic#ixzz117jsdwFv
