Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *
Historically Salisbury and its surrounding areas have had many instances on when something that stirred from within its valley persona, the shadow that goes through its medieval streets, it’s back alleys and multitudes of drinking establishments, catches the public’s attention and makes this city, more famous for its imposing cathedral and former resident of the close, more outwardly looking than it sometimes is ever given credit for. Though the band now have made Brighton their home, perhaps in recent times the most important city musically on the south coast, the stamp of Wiltshire lives in them and remains part of their soul no matter how long they have left it.
Phoria could be one of the groups that puts the Wiltshire city back on a musical map that really hasn’t happened for many years, it can only be hoped that it does as the heyday of that city in terms of musical output was far too long ago. There has been the odd band that you could pin hopes upon breaking out and making visitors see the bar or house in which they first practised and honed their talent but they have fallen by the wayside and the city of Salisbury continues on its merry way.
Phoria though have offered something new on their Bloodworks E.P. and the sound is exceptional, a mix of the aurally attractive, of desolation, of hope, of the sombre and eloquent. A mix that owes something to the area in which they five piece come from and marks out an attitude that is both refreshing and humbling to the listener, especially for anyone who has left the city far behind them.
In Trewin Howard’s vocals, the songs Set Your Mind On It, Red, Once Again, Scopes and Posture smoulders with an edge usually reserved for the titan, the ecclesiastical behemoth that lies in the centre of the city, whilst being engaging and musically cool. All this is greatly enhanced by the music provided by Edward Sanderson, James Hardwick, Tim Douglas and Seryn Burden.
The streets of the Wilshire city can sometimes seem daunting because of the immense feel of history within its natural boundary that skirts the city like a veil over a shy bride on her wedding day but the music that emanates from Phoria soon discards the veil and opens her and the group’s natural beauty.
It is about time Salisbury had something wonderful music wise to shout out about again; it’s been far too long and Bloodworks and Phoria are the music to get excited about.
Ian D. Hall