Album Review - Evolve by Phish
Phish’s 16th album and first since 2020’s Sigma Oasis was released on Friday, giving us another batch of road-tested songs tracked out in the studio. Drawing material from guitarist Trey Anastasio’s albums Lonely Trip and mercy plus duo record with keyboardist Page McConnell January, 11 of the 13 songs were familiar to fans, having been played numerous times live in the “4.0” era.
Overall, I have virtually no complaints about how the record sounds or the song choices (besides leaving “The Well” as vinyl-only, as it sounds excellent) other than the usual feedback on a Phish album - all the songs sound better live.
Similar to Sigma Oasis, Evolve was recorded over a few days at Anastasio’s Vermont studio The Barn, with live takes and various overdubs - mostly on the vocal and synthesizer side. While Sigma tracks like “Thread” showcased McConnell’s new (at the time) Moog One synthesizer and its capabilities, his mastery of the instrument is on full display across this record, with subtle textures contrasting with aggressive leads at other times.
The band does capture an element of the live magic at times - the lead track “Hey Stranger” has some excellent sparring between McConnell and Anastasio - both musicians utilizing synth effects - and the multiple guitar tracks give us a different dimension to the song’s funky qualities. I’ve been a big fan of this tune since the first time I heard it with TAB in the fall of 2022, and its rendition at Sphere this past April seems to indicate that there’s a bright jamming future for it. Live Rec: 4/21/24
Speaking of jam vehicles, 2023’s rookie of the year contender “Oblivion” is next with some more funky hooks (a theme to a some of Anastasio’s recent songwriting) - drummer Jon Fishman is the star here for me with his steady pocket, but McConnell shines once again with layers of synth alongside Hammond B3 organ blasts. I will say, however, that the removal of the jam just made me want to go check out one of the big versions from last year. Live Recs: 7/23/23, 10/6/23, 12/29/23
The album’s title track “Evolve” has now been stuck in my head for two days - thanks, Trey and Tom, for writing another incredibly catchy tune. Yes, the lyrics are happy-go-lucky. I love this song and am not ashamed to admit it - it’s had a great spot in many first sets over the past few years. Live Rec: Any of them
Despite not being 35 minutes long, “A Wave of Hope” is a triumph for studio Phish, capturing the essence of the rock ‘n roll vibe. Anastasio’s crunchy guitar and bassist Mike Gordon’s punchy playing align with some beautifully subtle synth waves, giving the quality of a cresting wave throughout the song. Once again - missing the jam. Live Recs: 7/24/22, 12/28/23, 2/22/24
The energy cools down somewhat for “Pillow Jets,” a song debuted at June 2023’s Trey Trio shows in Denver. We get a glimpse of the band letting loose here - Anastasio’s heavy wah guitar calls back to 2019’s Ghosts of the Forest project while undulating waves of McConnell’s synth colour the space. Subtle string work blends it all together for several minutes of incredible soundscapes. I have a feeling that this one is going to be jam vehicle of the summer. Live Recs: 10/10/23, 4/20/24
“Lonely Trip” emerges from the murk of the “Pillow Jets” jam perfectly - just like it does live - to be a landing pad. The unhurried quality of the song allows for emphasis on the layers of acoustic guitar and strings - Fish’s snare sounds absolutely phenomenal on this track as well. Anastasio’s methodical and gorgeous solo is amazing - though I do miss the days in 2021 when McConnell would play Wurlitzer on this song. Live Recs: 8/11/21, 8/29/21
Without a doubt, my favourite track on Evolve is “Life Saving Gun.” I admittedly had not spent very much time with the January release so wasn’t familiar when I saw Phish debut this at MSG last summer - but immediately was struck by how good the song is. While the studio effort is great, it just makes me want to put on a live version - the tracked “LSG” lacks the momentum of its performances. Miso laceration! Live Recs: 12/30/23, 4/18/24
“Monsters” is excellent from a songwriting perspective, showing some beautiful emotive work about internal turmoil. It and “Ether Edge” both fill similar roles as ballads, but neither has truly clicked in a live setting. I personally prefer the former and look forward to seeing how it fits into setlists this year. Live Recs: Any of them.
The first previously unheard track and only one penned by Gordon, “Human Nature,” begins with a dial-tone sound and a punchy funk groove. This one has serious potential and stands atop the pile of Gordon tunes debuted in the last few years. Definitely looking forward to how this one translates (and jams) live.
Closing out the album on another emotional note, “Mercy” is a beautiful song that was made for the setting of acoustic guitar and strings. The band’s vocal harmonies backing the guitarist are impeccable and this is a track worth multiple listens to take in each layer.
While Evolve doesn’t quite reach the heights of Sigma Oasis in terms of modern Phish discography, there’s nary a weak spot in terms of song choice to be found - though I feel that the best tracks are on the first half of the album. After “Life Saving Gun,” a long string of ballads make the ending a bit of a plod, but I love the choice to end with “Mercy.”
Only five days until summer tour where we’ll get to chronicle how these songs do in a post-album-release live setting!
Listen to Evolve now wherever you consume music.