Phish - Round Room January 8, 2003 - Playboy Magazine by Sarah Preston Album Review - Round Room 2 1/2 Bunnies out of 4 After a two-year hiatus that must have felt like a drug-induced haze to its Patchouli-scented phans, Phish releases its first studio album since 2000's Farmhouse. What makes Round Room stand out from the band's studio releases is that the album was recorded over a mere four days and after just two weeks of rehearsal, so it possesses the spontaneity and vulnerability of a live show. The 12-track album, with four jams hovering around 10 minutes, is slower-paced and looser than previous studio recordings -- you won't hear any Gotta Jibboo-caliber twirl songs. Front man Trey Anastasio's weak vocals on Mexican Cousin demonstrate the album's low point, but tighter tracks like Pebbles and Marbles and 46 Days are the kind of hooks that will get Phishheads grooving again and stoked for the band's upcoming tour. Round Room is an essential, organic album for collectors, but it's easily skip-able for the uninitiated. Copyright © 2003 Playboy Magazine