Phish says pharewell with `Undermind' June 18, 2004 - Boston Herald By Christopher Blagg Album Review - Undermind Few bands announce their breakup a month before releasing an album. Of course Phish has never gone by conventional rules. ``Undermind'' is the quirky Vermont group's 10th studio record and, barring any Michael Jordan-esque returns, its last. Neither dramatic swan song nor chaotic breakup record, ``Undermind'' sounds like a band refreshed. Unlike Phish's last effort, the disappointing ``Round Room,'' ``Undermind'' sparkles with melodic vigor and tight, focused arrangements. While the band was never known for radio-ready singles, the jangly roots rock of ``The Connection'' is the closest Phish has ever come to writing a bona fide pop song. This isn't to say the band has gone mainstream. The spooky opening track sounds like a nightmarish trip to Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory with its haunted house organ and creepy vocals, and the heavy guitar sludge of ``Maggie's Revenge'' bristles with dissonant white noise. In typical Phish fashion, the last song on the record is a bizarre but remarkably authentic barbershop a cappella ditty. The reign of Phish may be ending, but ``Undermind'' will ease the mourning process for a grieving jamband nation. Review © 2004 Boston Herald