FARMHOUSE

By the turn of the century, Phish appeared to be running out of steam. Although on the face of it this is an album of new material, a number of the songs here had been in the live set for up to three years, and others had been performed by Trey Anastasio in a solo capacity. During the year, Phish announced that the band would be put on ice for the foreseeable future following the planned tour for later in 2000. Ironically, this album contains the band's biggest hit single thus far (in the USA at least), "Heavy Things" enjoying considerable airplay and chart success.

The album opens in a surprisingly laid back style, the title track being a lazy slice of southern rock with a catchy hook and some fine (if brief) feedback on the lead guitar. As a whole, the album which follows has the expected eclectic mix of styles, but the common denominator is a solid reliance on pop tenets. On the down side, this means that many of the songs are over before they really get a chance to get started, and certainly well before they have been brought to the fulfilment they warrant. On the plus side, the emphasis on strong melodies and tight performances results in some highly enjoyable music.

The closing track, "First tube" is a fine 6+ minute Allman Brothers ("Jessica") like guitar instrumental.

Overall, an album which will not detain the committed prog fan for long, but for those who simply like to emerge themselves in good music, "Farmhouse" offers a decent diversion.

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