Mike Gordon swims to the top of the bowl November 17, 2003 - Unknown By Staff Album Review - Inside In Mike Gordon swims to the top of the bowl. The Bottom Line: Disappointed with Phish lately? Buy Inside In. Love good Progressive Rock? Still buy Inside In. An album a long time in the making, 'Inside In' is Mike Gordon's aptly titled, revised and re-invented soundtrack to his award-winning film "Outside Out." The relevance of the two projects end there, however, as Mr. Gordon creates a movie-going experience for the ears that does not require any sort of familiarity with its inspiration. After all the solo efforts released by other members of Phish prior to Inside In, you'd begin to think you've heard all the talent and creativity you'd come to expect from the Vermont group; however, Mike Gordon, in his quirky genius, finds a way to not only revitalize aspects of classic Phish studio efforts, but invent and pioneer genres of music that do indeed exist, but seem as though you've heard them for the first time. The album is full of everything, from jazzy jams to rockabilly-meets-hip-jop romps, to acoustic bluegrass and beyond. The instrumentation is impressive, as to be expected of a member of Phish, but even the vocals jump a par from Trey Anastasio's fore-fronted showcasing on Phish efforts. Basically, to wrap things up, 'Inside In' is the evolution of Phish we hoped for, but didn't get in albums like 'Farmhouse' and 'Round Room.' Of course, it's all Mike Gordon, but you can feel his roots; which invariably form a foundation of a very large, very unique tree. Kudos to Mr. Gordon for breaking the mold and giving Phish fans a level of familiarity, yet something completely new that everyone might enjoy. Review © 2003