Phish - Round Room

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Music reviews of Round Room

Music Review: Phish Finally Comes 'Round
Rating: 3 Stars

Phish, the band known for its extensive jams and unending songs, reappeared on the scene after two years hiatus with a new album produced following only four days of work. Round Room is a collaboration of obviously unrehearsed, improvisational tunes that seem to be the unfortunate product of the four members' apparent time away. The album is a poignant reminder of the off-time the band has had for the past two years. With the exception of a few songs, Round Room fell far below what is expected from a band that has been playing great music together for almost twenty years. As an avid Phish listener and supporter, I hate to admit my disappointment after listening to the newest addition to the band's collection.

Round Room begins with a skeleton of what could be a satisfying jam but sadly reduces to a weak structure in "Pebbles and Marbles." However, it is obvious Phish has entered the room with "Seven Below" and "46 Days." These two songs are reminiscent of pre-hiatus Phish resembling such jingles as "Back on the Train" and "Heavy Things.". Then again, the songs that are even remotely successful are still far below expectation. As a "phan," I expect to hear great albums post-hiatus that are indicative of A Live One, Lawn Boy, and Junta, all creatively successful records providing only the best of Phish.

It is apparent the influences the members of Phish have been exposed to during the break. Round Room has a slower groove and the melodies are suggestive of more blues influence than rock appeal, a potent change compared to the rest of the Phish discography. Though old-school Phish is prevalent in the new album, the songs lack the melodious force that drives the band's fans to pump their arms, swing their hips, rock their bodies, and bob their heads.

To give some props where due, Round Room features two vital Phish members normally embraced in the shadows. Bassist Mike Gordon and pianist Page McConnell come to the forefront in the new album with momentous bass licks in "Pebbles in Marbles" and master piano work in "Round Room." Together, Gordon and McConnell tackle the song "Friday," battling licks back and forth until reaching a delightful climax that concludes the song. Trey Anastasio, lead guitarist, and Jon Fishman, drummer, are, as always, a powerful duo when bringing a tune to its knees and prove to still maintain that chemistry in Round Room. Anastasio's creative guitar rhythms and Fishman's precision drum beats in the new album are definitely the glue that holds the work together. Though Trey and Fishman always know how to make a song successful, Paige and Mike bring nice highlights to Round Room.

In the past, Phish has produced magnificent studio albums with very few bumps
in the road. Though Round Room may feel like a pothole in an almost infallible path, the band still remains masters of the art of musical innovation and creative songwriting. Round Room, though not the best Phish has to offer, is still a nice effort made by a band that has earned the right to have a few crumbs mixed in with their jam.

Description of Round Room

Alternative Rock CDs

• Music > Styles
• Pop
• Rock