Midwest-based VonFRICKLE was born in 1999 when drummer JOHN GANSER envisioned an all-instrumental band that featured unusual sounds, improvisations and multi-time changes. With LEE FEHR (guitar, guitar synthesizer) and TIM PIERSON (bass, keyboards) on board, this musically diverse, talented trio spent the first year developing the sound of the band — improvising, composing, and eventually recording their first album, “Sounds From Inside The Mind Of...”

The completion of this self-recorded and released album in 2000 paved the way for VonFRICKLE to hit the road and play their first gigs. The sound was powerful, intense, fast, dynamic and emotional. Desiring a bold visual statement for their live shows, the band performed in all white uniforms from head to toe, providing anonymity to each musician to perform with the utmost freedom, and allowing the audience to focus on the music rather than who is playing. It also provided a “space alien” look that complimented the “outer space” sounds of their compositions
and improvisations.

In 2001 VonFRICKLE was back in the studio recording
“Feeding the Organic Computer,” this time working with R. FISH CARPENTER at THE FISHTANK, a computer-based home studio in Bloomington, Illinois. (Fish has also been a “member” of the band throughout its history as designer & photographer for nearly all VonFRICKLE albums and promotional material, as well as often filling the role of live sound and visual engineer).
The album includes song writing and ambient arrangements by the entire band, and also features future/current bassist DAN MEYER who joined the band for a short stint in 2001, playing a varied selection of horns, strings and synths. After this release and several shows as a four-piece, the group returned to the original three-piece line-up, continuing to develop their style.

The band’s 2002 releases, like all subsequent studio albums, were recorded and produced at Fehr’s updated F.E.A.R. STUDIOS in rural Eureka, Illinois. Their first all-improvisational album, “Beyond Weird Series, Vol. 1: Frank Works In A Factory,” features orchestral percussion (no drum kit), guitar synth (no guitar), theremin and Moog synthesizers. It is a musical expedition that is both challenging and rewarding. The mesmerizing “Vibrate Transmit Receive,” released later that year, features original compositions with many experiments in layering sounds.

2003 brought the release of “Mission 4.9,” a major jump in composition and sound. With Fehr’s advanced experimental song-writing, Ganser’s finessed, yet powerful drumming and keen arrangements, and the addition of lead guitarist KEN THORNTON (who had previously played with the band during occasional live shows, joining permanently in mid-2002) the band had more focus and the lead voice that they had been searching for. Ken's compositional talents, along with his guitar technique, fluidity and speed, made him an immediate asset to the band.

In late 2003 Pierson decided to move on, and the boys called upon previous member and multi-instrumentalist Meyer to take up bass guitar duties, his primary instrument. The addition was very satisfying, bringing in yet another talented writer as well as new sounds via the bass synthesizer and theremin. With the definitive line-up in place and a combined catalog of vast musical influences, VonFRICKLE evolved into the band they are today.

In late 2004, the band signed with grassroots label O.I.E. RECORDS, LTD. (originality is everything) who re-released “Mission 4.9” nationally in stores and, along with “Organic Computer,” worldwide via multiple digital outlets.

The next year and a half saw VonFRICKLE recording and releasing two more albums. 2005’s self-released “Beyond Weird Series, Vol. 2: Frank's Great Escape,” is a sequel, but unlike the first “Beyond Weird” recording, it features an all-electronic, all-improvised group of “songs” with no edits. It was also recorded live and not programmed like traditional electronic music. Moog synthesizers are featured extensively throughout, along with other synths, guitar synthesizers and
electronic drum pad.

“Arrhythmia” (o.i.e), released in 2006, was another major leap in song writing and sound quality. It is a truly great progressive rock album, revealing influences from KING CRIMSON, early PINK FLOYD, THE RESIDENTS, PRIMUS, JEFF BECK, late 70s–early 80s RUSH and FRANK ZAPPA. The band’s most available release worldwide, “Arrhythmia” proves that as a purely instrumental rock band, VonFRICKLE is free to try anything musically, and they do.

While continuing to tour throughout 2006 and 2007, the live shows became more bizarre, with visual projections complementing the unique music. Mostly playing around Illinois, the band has also added places like Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Cleveland, Detroit and upstate New York to the list. Following STEVE HOWE of YES at PROG IN THE PARK 2006 in Rochester and playing with PERCY JONES’ band TUNNELS in Cleveland were major accomplishments for the band.

2008 finds VonFRICKLE releasing a live album, “The 40 Fingers of Doctor V” (o.i.e). Recorded at the CASTLE THEATER in Bloomington, Illinois, it has an intensity not necessarily found on the studio albums and showcases the powerful sound and exceptional musicianship of VonFRICKLE in a live setting.

Preparations for a new studio album are under way now and they continue to perform live around the Midwest, hoping to continue to expand their show circuit and ever-growing fan base. A truly original band that demands to be heard, VonFRICKLE offers unusual, strangely beautiful music that can leave you gasping for air, but in such a way that you’d rather not stop to take a breath.

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Web:

http://www.myspace.com/vonfrickle

http://www.oierecords.com/vonfrickle.html

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MP3 Sample: "Pyramidium"
from Arrhythmia

MP3 Sample: "Antiparticle Assassin"
from Arrhythmia

MP3 Sample: "Freak Parade"
from Arrhythmia

MP3 Sample: "Galactic Bounty Hunter"
from Live: The Forty Fingers of Doctor V

MP3 Sample: "Scary II"
from Live: The Forty Fingers of Doctor V

MP3 Sample: "101111001001100000"
from Live: The Forty Fingers of Doctor V

Check the MUSIC PLAYER PAGE
to hear music samples from other bands.

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Discography:

• Sounds From Inside The Mind Of... (CD 2000)
• Feeding The Organic Computer (CD 2001)
• Beyond Weird Series, Vol. 1:
Frank Works In A Factory (CD 2002)
• Vibrate Transmit Receive (CD 2002)
• Mission 4.9 (CD 2003)
• Beyond Weird Series, Vol. 2:
Frank's Great Escape(CD 2005)
• Arrhythmia (CD 2006)
• Live: The Forty Fingers Of Doctor V (CD 2008)

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