The Return of the Phish

After a five-year hiatus, Phish triumphantly returns with one of their most ambitious studio albums to date, a fusion of rock, jazz, blues and contemporary. “Joy” emerges as one of the jam gods’ most anticipated releases.

Following a handful of live shows, Phish fans were left wondering if an eleventh album would ever see the light of day. Upon its release, “Joy” sold 29,000 copies in its first week and debuted at number 13 on the Billboard charts.

Although a commercial disappointment, the new album embraces the band’s roots and continued relevance in an ever-expanding jam band scene. Influences such as Carlos Santana, The Grateful Dead and Elvis Costello can be heard throughout the album. The occasional incorporation of elements of Chicago blues and Latin dance beats contribute to a diverse end result. There are a variety of notable tracks and a few forgettable tracks as well.

The highlight of “Joy” is frontman Trey Anastasio’s timeless guitar voyages that offer a happy ending feel to the conclusions of many of the songs. They make you feel like you are driving into the sunset and leaving all your worries behind. Examples: “Stealing Time from the Faulty Plan,” “Sugar Shack,” and “Backwards Down the Number Line.”

Most notable is “Time Turns Elastic,” a thirteen-and-a-half minute epic jam session. A series of interconnected mini-jams, each at its own pace and mood, this track affirms Phish’s status as America’s most brilliant band in the jam circuits. “Time Turns Elastic” is a roller coaster of psychedelic guitar riffs, contemporary piano stylings and a sense of hopeful optimism, topped with a dash of enlightenment. Like the rest of the album, this song has the potential to translate live, and very well.

“Ocelot,” a track reminiscent of material from the 2000 album “Farmhouse,” has contagious swagger and a catchy chorus that lingers. “Don’t be the only one left on the block,” exclaims Anastasio. “Come hide in the herd and float with the flock.” With its bouncing bass and rhythmic pianos, “Ocelot” is sure to please a wide array of Phish fans, young or old.

“Joy” is among the most diverse Phish albums to date, a collection of tunes that summarize the extended history of the group.

This is a must-buy album for any diehard jam fan.

For any avid music fan, “Joy” is a great place to broaden musical tastes and embrace the theme of peace, love, and happiness.

Check it out.

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