Phish: Round Room January 10, 2003 - Orlando Sentinel by Geoff Dennis Album Review - Round Room After a two-year hiatus -- an eternity for Phish fans -- Phish's Trey Anastasio (lead singer/guitar), Jon Fishman (drums), Mike Gordon (bass) and Page McConnell (keyboard) met to rehearse for a New Year's concert in 2001. Once they got started, they just couldn't stop, and in the next four days they would record all the songs on their newest album, Round Room. Characterized by their Woodstock roots, outstanding live performances and live recordings, this Vermont-based band reigns as "king of the jam bands." Round Room has just been added to its list of studio hits. Clocking in at more than 78 minutes, the boys of Phish are in no hurry to conclude this vigorous jam session. The record begins with a jazzy rhapsody: a piano dancing lazily to the drums' gentle tapping. Looser and more relaxed than previous recordings, Round Room is thought by some to be too lackadaisical to qualify as the "catch of the day." Granted, this album is not buzzing with energy and some songs may seem interminably long, but they don't call Phish a jam band for nothing. The guys fill the record with impromptu riffs and hiccups on the guitar, which creates the charming spontaneity that has made Phish an underground success over the years. Phish succeeds in achieving what few jam bands do -- producing melodies and ideas that will remain with you. Albeit long, and sometimes hard to keep up with, Round Room is cheeky, harmonic, percussive and soulful. Chances are, you won't be completely sold on it on the first listen, but pick a few of your favorites and pop in the CD once more. Article © 2003 Orlando Sentinel