BOOST THE SIGNAL

US Progressive/Art Rock band from Brier, Washington.All of the band's members, multi- instrumentalists and brothers Mark and Brian Phraner, drummer Donovan Freeborn and guitarist Dave Wheeler had been together in a 70's group with the name Medusa, but after its demise they parted ways during the 80's.The fate brought them all back together in early-90's, when they formed Phreeworld and debuted with the EP ''Boost the signal'' for the Friends in the Garden label in 1994.

''Boost the signal'' is much a product of its time, resembling to North-American Prog groups of late-80's/early-90's such as MAGELLAN, MADRIGAL, CAIRO and TERRACED GARDEN and the opening ''Solar Spectra'' features slightly distorted yet romantic vocals to go along with grandiose symphonic synthesizers, while ''Cruisin' London'' is much more theatrical and lyrical, like a cross between 80's YES and a modern GENTLE GIANT version with an emphatic groove and a deep atmosphere.''Hold On To Me'' (as well as its remix, the closing piece of the EP) is definitely the catchier track of the album, recalling compatriots AJALON, an easy and accesible groove supports a decent chorus, but this far away from the fundamentals of Prog music.Finally ''The Whispering'' is the most atmospheric cut of this release, down-tempo Prog material, based on the FLOYD-ian guitars and the bombastic synths all the way.

A good attempt for a comeback after so many years for this US quartet with some decent musicianship, which ends up to be an enjoyable listening despite the minor flaws.Recommended.