On New Album, Phish Lacks Usual Playfulness December 21, 2002 - News & Record (Greensboro, NC) By Jeffrey Hahne Album Review - Round Room *** 1/2 After a two-year hiatus, Phish has regrouped and released a new album, "Round Room," and plans a new tour. Its only Southeastern stop will be right here at the Greensboro Coliseum for a March concert that sold out in just 35 minutes. Known for its endless jams and flighty lyrics, Phish doesn't disappoint (much) on the new album. The lyrics are as simplistic and interesting as ever. The album shows a maturity missing from early albums such as "Junta" or "Hoist." The influence of band members' side projects during the band's recent hiatus was clear from the first song. Drummer Jon Fishman had been performing with the Jazz Mandolin Project while guitarist Trey Anastasio was performing solo and with the "supergroup" Oysterhead. The songs offer plenty of room for the improvisation that Phish is so famous for, but I wish that the album were more upbeat and fun. Maybe it's age, or maybe it's the band searching for something new, but much of Phish's childish playfulness was absent. That's not to say this is a bad album. On its own, it's a well-written, musically adventurous album. As a Phish album, it's mediocre. Sure, it's better than most of the band's recent releases going back to "Billy Breathes," but it doesn't stand a chance against "Lawnboy" or "A Picture of Nectar." Copyright 2002 News & Record