The Cancer Conspiracy

by William YorkNamed after an alleged plot by members of the medical community to suppress a cure for cancer in order to sustain the healthcare industry, the Burlington, VT, instrumental rock trio the Cancer Conspiracy formed in 2000 and consists of Brent Frattini on bass; Greg Beadle on drums, keyboards, and saxophone; and Daryl Rabidoux on guitar. Apart from their attention-grabbing name, the trio may be most notable for playing what is essentially a modern form of '70s progressive rock (seemingly influenced by artists such as King Crimson, Brian Eno, and Pink Floyd) and directing it toward the punk/hardcore community. At least, that scene is where the band members come from, and that's the scene with which Big Wheel Recreation, the label that released their first full-length, 2002's The Audio Medium, is most associated. Prior to that album, the Cancer Conspiracy self-released an eponymous debut EP in 2001, which was eventually picked up for distribution by Big Wheel as well.