'Billy Breathes' life into mellow Phish release October 24, 1996 - Cavalier Daily (University of VA) By Emily Kane Album Review - Billy Breathes Anastasio: Emphasizes acoustic guitar and more lyrically-driven songs on "Billy Breathes" Phish may be the music industry's best-kept secret. The classification-defying Vermont quartet has become a rock-and-roll phenomenon, selling out concert venues without ever tallying enough in record sales to crack the Billboard charts. Now -- much to the chagrin of some fans -- Phish stands on the verge of what could be a huge commercial breakthrough. Many fans remain reluctant to share what they hold so dear, but with the release of "Billy Breathes," the time has arrived for Phish's magic to spread throughout the nation. Modern rock stations are already giving ample air time to "Free," the first release from the new album. The music and lyrics of "Free" live up to the title -- creating the same liberating effect that defines Phish shows. Guitarist/lead singer Trey Anastasio backs the chorus with a catchy chord progression while bassist Mike Gordon adds funk to the cut. "Billy Breathes" is slower-paced than "Hoist," Phish's last and most successful studio album to date. But the change is not a limiting factor. In fact, "Billy Breathes" demonstrates Phish's musical ability much more accurately than its '94 release. Such ability surfaces on "Waste," "Billy Breathes" and "Talk." On "Waste," Anastasio extends an invitation to "come waste your time with me." The bittersweet ballad gets strong musical backing from the entire band, but keyboardist Page McConnell's piano undoubtedly shines the brightest. "Billy Breathes" describes a place "above the trees where Billy breathes / We float above the air." The harmonic juxtaposition of lyrics by various band members harmonizes effectively with Anastasio and McConnell's eloquent guitar and keyboard work. A couple of cuts break through the album's mellow trend, offering fast-paced rhythms destined to become Phish live staples. "Character Zero," with its hard guitar and driving chorus, could easily become a concert gem. Anastasio produces great riffs that are so smooth they seem to be sung. "Theme From the Bottom," which regularly graces the set lists of Phish shows, begins slowly but grooves nonetheless. With help from bassist Mike Gordon's funky riff, the band builds up to a group chorus: "So I ask you why / As I'm swimming by / Don't you see anything that you'd like to try." The song's guitar-driven ending leaves plenty of opportunity for a full-fledged Phish jam at shows. Not to be outshined by his musical peers, drummer Jon Fishman adds his own two cents on "Taste," leading the tune with his fluid percussion work. Fishman begins with a beating cowbell that eventually melts into a bass drum beat and gives Anastasio a solid background for his vocals. Like other Phish albums, especially "A Picture Of Nectar," "Billy Breathes" includes a few two-minute instrumental ditties that bridge the gap between longer cuts. This time around, these include "Cars Trucks Buses," "Train Song," and "Bliss." Transitional pieces and all, the album ends with "Swept Away," the album's eleventh track, Anastasio sings "I'm finally swept away" and, by that time, so are the listeners. In a music industry full of artists relating songs of apathy and depression, Phish sticks out like a sore thumb -- what they want to do is make you smile, and with "Billy Breathes," they have done just that. Article © 1996 Cavalier Daily