Phish'Round Room'

Elektra/Asylum

Grade: C

I thought the reading audience could use a Phish review from a non-Phish fan. I have never really listened to them before, so I decided to take the opportunity to listen to their new album, "Round Room." Therefore, my review is not based on the comparison of this album to earlier ones, but of the music on the disc itself.

Overall, I thought the lyrics are fairly good (though some, like those in "Mexican Cousin," are rather stupid). The band used analogies and metaphors well, and depicted emotions both bluntly and symbolically. The first track, "Pebbles and Marbles," reminded me of Jim Croce's "Photographs and Memories," due to its soft, gentle melody and reminiscent lyrics. Some songs were mostly instrumental -- two of the tracks are over ten minutes long -- and others were mostly vocal. Various tracks are more spoken-word than sung.

The album is very mellow and relaxing. However, it is much too relaxing for my taste. I might consider meditating to it, but I would never take it on a long, monotonous car ride, out of fear of falling asleep. Also, all of the songs seem to eventually blend together, and the longer tracks seem to go on forever. It would have been nice to hear some more upbeat tunes and more variety in the style and rhythm of the singer.

It is really hard to pick out which songs I like the best, due to the fact that they all seem similar to the untrained Phish ear. I liked the guitar work on "Seven Below" and the scene pained by the lyrics in the title track. I was least impressed with "Mock Song," "Mexican Cousin" and "46 Days," which did not seem to capture my interests at all.

In conclusion, some of the lyrics are quite interesting, yet the songs are so mellow and boring that they put me to sleep. This is not an energy boosting, dance party album. However, if a person is looking for calming music with a heart, they may want to purchase this disk.