Phreeworld – formed in 1993. Learning from the greatest, pushing technique and technology to their limits, Phreeworld’s music is an exciting – electrifying experience of 21^st century rock. Influenced by - guitarists: Hendrix, Howe, Vaughan, Squire and Segovia; Bands: Beatles, Yes, Beach Boys and Frank Zappa & the Mothers; composers: Ravel, Stravinsky, Bach and Respighi.

Phreeworld began life in a “crucible by fire”. Focusing on powerful, progressive and intense writing/song structures in Seattle, during the early 90’s (the grunge scene’s golden era). Although the band liked much of the music Seattle produced back then, the basic philosophy of the grunge scene was rather “contrary“ to Phreeworld’s writing style. As one of the band members states: “Frankly, being hated for the right reasons was exhilarating.”

Starting out, shows were hard to find. Playing at “lumber jack” bars, farm parties and early gigs at state fairs were regular venues for Phreeworld. Through hard work, tenacity and an unwavering belief in their music, the band has gained recognition and popularity in the Pacific Northwest. Now playing to large crowds at venues such as: The Experience Music Project’s – Sky Church; The Progman Cometh Festival – Moore Theatre (on the bill with the legendary Soft Machine); Everett Historical Theatre; Fox Networks – Q13 Morning Show and The Salmon Days Festival (weekend festival 150,000+ attends).

The band is: Brian Phraner, Bass, Guitar, Keys and Voice; Mark Phraner: Guitar, Slide Guitar, Keys and Voice; Dave Wheeler: Guitar, 12 String Guitar and Voice; Don Freeborn: Drums and Voice. Phreeworld has released two successful independently produced cds. They have gained local and global airplay, national and international distribution and fans from around the world.

In Phreeworld’s music, there is an illusion of simplicity, subtlety in design, beautiful vocal harmonies and an exhilaration that can only be produced by executing incredible technical skills - flawlessly.

a review from Progression Magazine

Phreeworld: Crossing The Sound (CD, 46:46); Friends in the Garden FG-1998-1
Eureka!! This is progrock at its finest! Move over Yes. Dream Theater, step aside please. I am going to attempt the impossible as I cannot possibly say enough good things about Phreeworld. I came up admiring Yes, adoring Chris Squire's Fish Out of Water, awed by Canadian spacerock legends FM at the Cellar Door in Georgetown, D.C., and adulating Steve Hackett's mastery of infinite guitar. And above all remains Happy the Man. Filling my head now is an amazing blend of ALL the best of those aforementioned heroes and more. Dave Wheeler is vocals and guitars. Mark Phraner is vocals, guitars and keys. Brian Phraner is vocals, bass, more guitars and keys. Don Freeborn is the heartbeat drums and yes, more vocals. Polished, compelling, angelic vocals abound, like Jon Anderson reborn, like Cameron Hawkins of FM back again, and even Queensryche's Geoff Tate styled delivery appears. "Freeworld", "China", "Solar Spectra" and "Gates Walk" have a wonderfully strong FM/Black Noise and Surveillance feel. "The Hermit" was very Fish-Out-of-Water with that Steve Hackett sensitivity. "The Empress", oh so much Yes, but better? -- absolutely slayed me emotionally. Yeah, the vocal harmonies made this old reviewer's heart melt and tears welled up. Absolutely majestic work here. "Wardrums" is phat-progrock, heavyweight progression balanced by sweet airy ballad "Perfect Prison". The big Happy the Man meets Happy Family meets Magma surprise was the whole-tonal, frenzied, 78 rpm intro on "The Chariot". Yowza, what an end of the CD wake-up call! When you think your disc player is about to melt they space out into a Close-to-the-Edge introspective, meditative, quicksilver-quiet sea as etheric vocals peel away reality. I sailed away wanting more . . . more . . . more . . . Highly recommended. Even the CD's packaging is art-rock, superb, and spares no expense! -John Patterson

AMG EXPERT REVIEW: Released in late 1998, Crossing the Sound is Phreeworld's first CD. The band wanted to make an impression and it worked; although it is an independent release, these musicians went to great expenses to arrive at a professional product, both in terms of sound quality and packaging. The music belongs to the lighter side of progressive rock; that is, it always remains anchored in a song format. Phreeworld steers clear of the epic suite, with no tracks longer than eight minutes (and that is an exception). Of course, the song format implies catchy melodies and simple structures. Therefore, one could see Phreeworld belonging to neo-prog, but the band lacks the theatrics of this style. Simply put, Phreeworld plays intelligent rock songs sensitive to moods with strong musicianship and occasional prog asides. The group could be compared at times to Pink Floyd and to other pop-oriented prog outfits like Eddie Jobson's Zinc, John Wetton, or even Yoke Shire. All four musicians sing well, something that brings variety to the album. Arrangements are lush without becoming overcrowded and the music is instantly lovable. One wonders why no record label (either major or indie) has signed Phreeworld. Strongly recommended. — François Couture

From a fan in Australia:

Where have you guys been hiding....I had a listen to ALL the tracks on
mp3.com and I am still gobsmacked.

At 45 and having my 'Prog' roots in the late 60s/early 70s, it takes
something really great to grab me. Your wonderful music has everything I
love about Progressive Rock. Including fabulous vox, soaring
guitar....shit, it's all great! Even some 'Brian Wilson' type harmonies....wonderful
stuff.

In 2001, I have Magnification by Yes and The Rainmaker by The Flower
Kings and while I like those albums....I like Phreeworld better!

This year there has only been 1 album that has REALLY GRABBED me and that
is 'Ghost' by the Italian band The Watch, it now has some serious competition.

Thanks

Tony Doran

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