Picks & Pans - Phish's Round Room January 27, 2003 - People Magazine By Carolyn E. Davis Album Review - Round Room Phish, a jam band known for its live shows, doesn't usually perform as swimmingly on its studio albums. At times this disc--recorded in only four days in the barn of guitarist and lead singer Trey Anastasio--seems little more than a launching pad for the quartet's first tour since taking a two-year hiatus following 2000's Farmhouse. Songs such as "All of These Dreams" feel slapdash and wilted. But stage-sharp playing works on four energetic eight-minute-plus songs, complete with the band's trademark fluid jams. Best is the tempo-shifting "Walls of the Cave." More important for the group's flower-powered followers, though, Round Room sends an important signal: Pack up the van and pick up some munchies, 'cause Phish has hit the road. BOTTOM LINE: For phans only Copyright © 2003 People Weekly Magazine