by Thom OwensThe Willard Grant Conspiracy's Flying Low is an unexpected and surprising album (officially their second album, but marketed as a debut) that melds American roots-rock with a dark, haunting atmosphere straight out of American Music Club. The Willard Grant Conspiracy is more of a collective than a proper band. The entire album grew out of regular jam sessions, and the recordings boasted a revolving cast of musicians -- even the most prominent members of the band don't know who played what on every track. That ambiguity works in the album's favor, since the music offers unpredictable variations on a couple of themes. With his deep vocals, Robert Fisher keeps things centered -- matched with the spooky yet spare music, his melodies and lyrics get under the skin. At times, Flying Low is a little precious, but that only adds to its darkly attractive ambience.