Phish - Farmhouse May 18, 2000 - Hartford Courant By John Moran Album Review - Farmhouse Phish has long baffled reviewers looking for an easy way to pigeonhole the Vermont rockers. Too often, critics have fallen back on some vague reference to the Grateful Dead and jam bands and left it at that. But Phish's legacy is a lot more interesting and complicated, as evidenced by the group's latest release, "Farmhouse." This album, the band's 11th overall, shows off a wide range of musical styles and an increased focus on traditional song structures. This fresh approach is obvious from the first notes of the opening, title cut, featuring guitarist Trey Anastasio's clear vocals over a surprisingly sprightly melody. Another good example is "Heavy Things," which sees the band performing a straightforward tune that borders on pop. Phish purists may cringe, but it's a nice change from the cranking jams that characterize much of the band's recordings and performances. Anastasio wrote every song, and his influence is clear throughout. In fact, the album was recorded last fall in a studio built in a barn at Anastasio's farm outside Burlington. Vocal harmonies are featured throughout this album, particularly on a track called "Sleep." Another cut, "The Inlaw Josie Wales," shows off some quiet instrumental interplay between Anastasio on guitar and keyboardist Page McConnell. But there is plenty of more familiar Phish-style arrangements on "Farmhouse" too, including the jaunty "Gotta Jiboo," the frantic pace of "Piper" and the funky jam-fest on "First Tube."