For a band known primarily for its awesome live shows, Phish sure has released a number of fine studio outings over the decades.
The list would include three epic ’90s offerings — “Rift,” “Hoist” and “Billy Breathes” — as well as well as 2000’s “Farm House,” 2004’s “Undermind,” 2014’s “Fuego” and 2020’s “Sigma Oasis.”
And now that roll call must also include “Evolve,” the world’s greatest jam band’s 16th full-length studio platter (not counting 2022’s “Get More Down,” released under the alter-ego band name of Sci-Fi Soldier).
The album is a beautiful showcase for so many of the things that should help Phish one day (hopefully sooner than later) secure a spot in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
The four players — vocalist-guitarist Trey Anastasio, keyboardist Page McConnell, bassist Mike Gordon and drummer Jon Fishman — all sound splendid through a baker’s dozen of tracks, emitting a kind of musical synergy that has been forged through five decades of playing together. (Note: There are 13 tracks on the vinyl copy of the album — which is what we’re listening to — while “The Well” is missing on streaming and other formats.)
Anastasio, as he is routinely known to do, shines incredibly brightly on this album. Of course, his guitar playing is magnificent, repeatedly underscoring why he’s so often ranked among the finest fret men in all of rock history.
Yet, he’s vocals are equally sublime here, handling both the up-tempo tunes and ballads with aplomb. His songwriting is also topnotch, as he takes full or partial credit on all but one of the tunes.
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Sure, this is a record that will definitely please the band’s incredibly dedicated “phan” base. Yet, it’s appeal is wide enough that it could bring in a few more of the yet-unintiated to the club.