Phish – Evolve (2024)
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Phish released their 16th studio album, Evolve, on July 12th. The release comes just over one month prior to their anticipated Mondegreen festival, and during an overall period that many would describe as a creative renaissance for the band. Many bands release a few strong albums early in their careers and coast off them for several decades. Not Phish. Phish still has us on the edge of our seats after 40 years. At least those of us who are paying attention.
Evolve kicks off with “Hey Stranger,” the third single from the album. Myself and @marleyfacedboy were actually in attendance for the live debut of this song at Madison Square Garden on 12/29/22, which is the best Phish show that I’ve personally seen to date. This song kicks off the album with a loose, jungle rock vibe that is all about a lifetime of loving music, and inviting Strangers to come and crash with them.
Up next is “Oblivion,” the second single from the album. This song brings a solid amount of jamming for a studio recording, and at just over 6 minutes, it’s the longest song on the album. The track made its live debut on July 11th, 2023 and thus far has only appeared in the second set.
Title track “Evolve,” the lead single from the album, is track three before we get into unheard (studio) territory. This song has a laid-back, almost island calypso vibe to it. It tells the story of the world and suggests the world formed in a spontaneous existence: “I paused a moment once in time / Before the Sun began to shine / To weigh the choice I had to make / And therein lies my first mistake.” Phish has been playing this song live since August of 2021.
“A Wave of Hope” is another one that has been in rotation since August of 2021, and has gained notoriety as a jam vehicle already, and has also been used as a show opener. In the studio, “A Wave of Hope” is a straight-up rock & roll song with a ton of vibrant energy, and a beat that encourages dancing.
“Pillow Jets” takes things into a more exploratory area, though still upbeat and groovy through the verses. I do think the lyric in the chorus, “on pillow jets of sound” is slightly corny, but I really like the way that they slow down the tempo for a trippy effect, and the breakdown in the final minutes into “Lonely Trip” is excellent. As of my writing this, Phish has played “Pillow Jets” exactly four times, with the debut being in July of 2023. I hope to hear them play this one at Mondegreen.
“Lonely Trip” is a personal favorite, for sentimental reasons, as they played it on 12/29/22 and it created a powerful moment for my friendship with @marleyfacedboy. This song first saw release as the title track to Trey’s 2020 solo album and found its way into the Phish rotation as soon as they hit the road again after Covid. The re-recording for Evolve adds layers of piano and light drumming that draw out the feeling of life’s journey conveyed by the lyrics. It’s a really great song, lyrically and musically, despite the lack of face-melting jams.
“Life Saving Gun,” the final single from the album, takes things back up again next. It made its debut during the MSG run in the summer of 2023. I’d call it another solid rock & roll song, though not my favorite on the album.
“Monsters” is a moody song about feeling like you don’t belong and battling with depression every morning. The instrumentals draw out the emotion with a a lengthy guitar solo. I like the music better than the lyrics on this one, and it leads us into the final chapter of the album. This one has only been played twice so far.
The mood lifts with “Ether Edge”, a philosophical song about breaking through the ether edge that brings back some of the tropical sound from “Evolve”. This is honestly how I feel during the final chapter of a Phish concert. It has a triumphant feel, that also still moves through the moodiness from earlier. We’re moving forward and beyond, and we’re feeling pretty good about it. 6 times played so far.
“Human Nature” continues with this triumphant energy, but adds in the funk. This is Mike Gordon’s lone songwriting contribution to the album, and when this one drops it’s time to boogie. The lyrics are a little silly, but it’s Mike Gordon and Phish, so the silliness is fully welcome and expected. This song has yet to be performed live by Phish, though Gordon it several times last month on his solo tour.
We hear some storytelling on “Valdese,” as well as some nostalgia, about a lost friend or lover. There is also perhaps some social commentary about feeling deceived by things you might read. This is another one that Phish has not performed yet. If there is any time on this record where you might go take a piss break, I would do it during “Valdese” or “Mercy,” the final song, which was another Trey Anastasio solo project song, that Phish has played 4 times.
The vinyl version includes “The Well” after “Valdese,” which is a really dope song that I have also had the pleasure of witnessing live on August 2nd, 2023. At first, you might think this is upbeat and happy-sounding song, but it takes a turn and becomes dark and existential, which they certainly did in the live environment. Pretty smart of them to leave one of the best songs to vinyl-only, to encourage people to buy the record.
Overall, Evolve is a very solid album that shows us Phish has still got it after all these years.
Phish – Evolve (2024)
Phish – “The Well” (Vinyl Rip)
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