Game Theory

Game Theory

Game Theory is a US power pop band from Davis, California, active from 1982 to 1991. Singer and songwriter Scott Miller is the group’s only constant member, and he leads the band through several lineup changes during its career.

Lineups and members

The band’s early line-up runs from 1982 to 1985 with Miller on vocals and guitar, Nancy Becker on keyboards and vocals, Fred Juhos on bass, and Dave Gill on drums. A later line-up runs from 1985 to 1989 and includes Miller with Donnette Thayer on guitar and vocals, Shelley LaFreniere on keyboards and vocals, Guillaume Gassuan on bass, and Gil Ray on drums. Interstitial members include Michael Irwin on drums and Suzi Ziegler on bass. A final line-up from 1989 to 1990 includes Miller, Ray, Jozef Becker on drums, and Michael Quercio on bass.

Recordings

Game Theory releases five studio albums during its original run: Blaze of Glory, Real Nighttime, The Big Shot Chronicles, Lolita Nation and Two Steps from the Middle Ages. The group also issues the 1990 compilation Tinker to Evers to Chance, which includes re-recordings of three older Game Theory songs. A sixth album, Supercalifragile, is released in 2017.

After the split

After the band ends, Miller and Jozef Becker form The Loud Family in 1991. Following Miller’s death in 2013, the planned Supercalifragile album is completed with support from friends and family and recorded with contributions from many former Game Theory members.

Style

Game Theory is associated with jangle pop, paisley underground, pop and power pop.