This group operates within the tradition of progressive rock, dating all the way back to the early seventies with groups such as Van de Graff Generator and King Crimson, but most noticeably influenced by the only decent album recorded by Rock group KISS: "The Elder" which was a soundtrack to the seventies horror film of the same name. It is particularly reminiscent of the songs "Only You" and "Under the Rose", which is one of the best complements that could be given to any rock based group.
The MP3 we listened to, which confusingly titles itself both "The Chariot" and "Crossing the Sound" depending on where you look ("Crossing the Sound" is the correct name, as shown on the album cover), appears to be a well edited medley of their recent material. It makes an attractive bitesize portion of Phreeworld's music, although at a download size of ten megabytes and a playing time of twelve minutes you won't be listening the moment you click that link!
Instrumentally, the drumming is slow and deliberate. Vocal harmonies underline the lyrical content, and a mixture of both acoustic and electric guitar lend the sound a timeless quality not seen as often as we would like in modern music. Add to this some mean guitar licks, and you have yourself a tasty package.
Our only criticism of the sound would be that the lyrics occasionally lean towards a faux mysticism more characteristic of less worthy and more easily forgotten groups. But please don't let this put you off - one listen to Phreeworld and you will be convinced of their talent.
The hardest part of reviewing this offering was actually getting hold of the MP3 to review! The "Download" link on Phreeworld's MP3.com site took me mysteriously straight to the MP3.com homepage which was not where I wanted to be at all. In the end, I had to sit and listen to the whole thing on-line - but am I bitter? Of course not!
Can't wait to listen? Click here to go to Phreeworld's MP3 site, or check out our US Band
Directory where you can find a link to their site.
