Phish, the iconic Vermont-based jam band, has built a legacy on their ability to blend musical styles and push boundaries. Known for their energetic live shows and spontaneous improvisation, Phish has a dedicated fanbase that revels in their constant musical evolution. Since forming in the early 1980s, they’ve released a series of studio albums that mirror their exploratory live performances, with each album offering a new chapter in the band’s storied career.
Their latest release, Evolve, is a testament to that spirit. Recorded in 2023 at The Barn, Phish’s personal studio in Vermont, the album marks their 16th studio effort. Produced by Vance Powell and Bryce Goggin, Evolve captures the band in a moment of creative maturity while continuing to embrace the playful experimentation that has defined their career.
The Making of Evolve
One of the defining aspects of Phish is their connection between the studio and the stage. Many of the songs on Evolve originated in their live performances, where they have space to stretch, mutate, and grow. For instance, the track “A Wave of Hope” is already a favorite among fans, thanks to its transformative live versions that have become platforms for some of the band’s most soaring improvisations. On Evolve, Phish captures this dynamic energy while refining it for the studio, resulting in a blend of both polished songcraft and their signature musical fluidity.
The production on Evolve is sharp and tight, with Powell and Goggin bringing out the band’s intricate musical conversations. The album’s 12 tracks showcase the group’s ability to experiment while remaining accessible, balancing improvisational moments with concise songwriting. Whether it’s the lush textures of keyboards, the groove-heavy basslines, or the interplay between guitar and drums, Evolve feels like a band that is comfortable in its skin but still restless, always looking for the next sound to explore.
Phish’s Evolution on Vinyl
For Phish fans, vinyl has always been a special medium, allowing the band’s intricate compositions and improvisational explorations to breathe with the warmth and richness that analog sound provides. Evolve is no exception, released as a 2-LP set on “Prismatic Velvet Tones” colored vinyl. The special pressing not only enhances the visual appeal for collectors but also provides a premium auditory experience that captures the nuances of the band’s performance.
Looking back at Phish’s discography, each of their albums offers something unique, and many have found a second life on vinyl. Junta (1989), their debut album, features some of their earliest explorations into jazz, funk, and rock, and has long been a favorite among vinyl enthusiasts. The sprawling compositions like “You Enjoy Myself” and “Divided Sky” showcase the band’s ambitious, genre-defying style that would become a hallmark of their career. A vinyl pressing of Junta provides a deep dive into the band’s origins, where you can hear the seeds of their future sound taking root.
Another fan favorite on vinyl is Rift (1993), an album that combines tight, progressive rock-inspired arrangements with some of the most intricate songwriting in the band’s catalog. With songs like “Maze” and “It’s Ice,” the album is a high-energy, complex journey that shines on vinyl, allowing listeners to appreciate its sonic depth.
2014’s Fuego is another standout that continues to impress on vinyl. Marking the band’s return to form after a brief hiatus, the album features a mix of rock, funk, and more ambient, spacey textures. Songs like “The Line” and the title track “Fuego” offer a perfect balance of jam-heavy grooves and focused, structured songwriting that invites repeat listening on a vinyl setup.
Conclusion
Evolve is not just a continuation of Phish’s rich musical journey, but an album that speaks to the band’s ongoing evolution. It combines the energy of their live performances with a thoughtful approach to studio production, resulting in a project that feels both familiar and fresh. For vinyl collectors, the “Prismatic Velvet Tones” pressing is a must-have, capturing the album’s sonic intricacies while offering a visually striking addition to any collection.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to their music, Evolve proves that Phish is still moving forward, still pushing boundaries, and still finding new ways to surprise their audience. And for those looking to explore more of their discography on vinyl, albums like Junta, Rift, and Fuego offer an exciting glimpse into the different phases of Phish’s long and winding career.
- Purchase Evolve on Amazon.
- Purchase Evolve on our website.
- Explore Phish vinyl on our website.
