Wons Phreely is no ordinary solo artist. He is a drum machine-wielding, electric guitar-swinging, punk poet with a knack for writing catchy pop. No matter how you define his genre, one thing is for sure Wons is one original songster.
Wons’ songwriting is standout – he has been a runner up in the international songwriting competition, twice. Never one to settle for clichéd love song fare, his subjects vary from serial killings to the micro-analysis of insects and amoeba. The tracks range from being joyous and playful, to dark and cynical, yet no matter what the subject matter the songs are always witty and presented in the rough and tumble ready-to-go pop manner that makes them universally appealing without any compromising of integrity.
In a live context Wons’ versatility as a player means that Wons Phreely can adapt to many live formats and situations (did someone use the word ‘multi-instrumentalist’?). And he is just as comfortable playing alongside rock bands like Youthgroup and Death Cab for Cutie, as he would be supporting a solo artist like Jarvis Cocker or Bright Eyes. Meanwhile Wons himself is fun, intelligent and dare we say it, even a touch sexy with his geek-chic on-stage swagger, and flaunting a hollow-body electric he comes off as a naughties Elvis Costello or Billy Bragg.
Starting out producing demos and mixes from his bedroom in Perth, the last 12 months or so has seen a dramatic growth for Wons personally and career-wise, having played and toured alongside Ben Kweller, Ben Lee, Death Cab For Cutie, Dr Dog, M. Ward, Aqualung, Kate Miller-Heidke, Bob Evans, and loads more - as well as having played Splendour in the Grass, the Great Escape, Pauhaus Festival, The Playground Weekender and Nannup festivals. In addition to this he released his first official EP last year, to critical acclaim as well as support from Triple J, with Home & Hosed’s Caroline Tran calling Wons Phreely “one to watchâ€.
In fact, it’s not only radio people getting behind Wons but also press, in a very big way. The Rules of Nature EP gained rave reviews all round, including 3 singles of the week in street press, with quotes like “Debut of the year†(Sydney City Hub), as well as comparisons with M. Ward, Ray Davies (of the Kinks), Ben Kweller, Josh Pyke, and one review even stated “(we) predict he meets a Gotye-level of success in the coming monthsâ€.
Even Ben Lee got in on the Wons Phreely action, outlining Wons as his artist to watch for 2008. However Inpress Magazine put it best when they reviewed the debut EP: “One of the year’s best albums that’s not an albumâ€, and that’s only because it was an EP.
Now Wons is traveling again. Armed with guitar, amplifier, a drum machine and a couple of loop pedals Wons Phreely is hitting the road with Youth Group, Ben Lee, and others. Check him out at the dates below.
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