With the band In Cahoots, the guitarist Phil miller – perhaps best known for his work with bands like Hatfield and the North and National Health – has since the eighties released a stream of sophisticated fusion rock. With both Hatfield and National Health, the fusion tendencies were present, but in In Cahoots, those elements make up the ground pillars of the musical expression. On Conspiracy Theories, both old and new paths are trodden by Miller and an unusually competent team of co-players. So, fusion is the basis of In Cahoots’ music, but at the same time, small pieces that show Miller’s heritage from the two above mentioned bands are added. The odd rhythms, chord progressions, simple, naïve themes, quirky melody lines, the constant thematic changes etc. awake memories of Canterbury greats, and on the track “5s and 7s”, both Dave Stewart and Barbara Gaskin contribute, something that gives a strong feeling of witnessing a fine musical reunion.

The compositions mainly are of a high quality, and Miller and his co-musicians manage to keep our attention through most of the record. Miller is an eminent guitarist with a great tone and feeling, and even if this is “his” band, he gives the other musicians room in the front. But at times I think the album has a tendency to give priority to the “typical” fusion factors with many and long solos from various instruments, something that does not function as much more than a display for clever musicians. Unfortunately, this reduces the total impression of the record somewhat, but all in all, Miller is still a competent guitarist and composer who is a joy to hear. Conspiracy Theories is not a timeless classic, but you don’t always need that to experience good entertainment.

© 2007 Tarkus Magazine

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