Wons Phreely is no ordinary solo artist. He is a drum machine-wielding, electric guitar-swinging, punk poet with a knack for writing beguilingly original songs.
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 contemptuous, 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 he 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, Dr Dog and Death Cab for Cutie, as he is supporting solo artists like M. Ward and Ben Kweller. Meanwhile Wons himself is fun and intelligent with his geek-chic on-stage swagger, 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, the last 12 months or so has seen a dramatic growth for Wons personally and career-wise, having played and toured 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 watch”.
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, Beck, and one review even stated “(we) predict he meets a Gotye-level of success in the coming months”.
Even Ben Lee got in on the Wons Phreely action, outlining Wons as his artist to watch. However Inpress Magazine put it best when they reviewed the debut EP: “One of the year’s best albums that’s not an album”, and that’s only because it was an EP.
Armed with guitar, amplifier, a drum machine and a couple of loop pedals Wons Phreely is hitting the road.
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