RIFT

"Rift" was the second Phish album recorded for Electra, coming after the exuberant, but not very prog "A Picture Of Nectar". It's less energetic than the previous album, but there is more prog on it. But I still think I prefer the other album.

The prog begins a bit in Maze, and the intro to My Friend, My Friend, but really gets going in the excellent All Things Reconsidered (an obvious reference to the famous NPR news radio program, and it's catchy theme sons), and Mound.

The main drawback to the album is a relative lack of the type of jamming that made Phish famous, and draws the large crowds to their live shows.

Not bad, but not one of their better sets.

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Posted Saturday, September 25, 2010 | Review this album | Report (Review #300455)

If you thought that Phish's first three releases were progressive, then this album is the creative peak of the band's specific progressive style. Not to say that this is any better than the album prior to this, A Picture of Nectar, which happens to be my favorite album by the band, but this is de ... (read more)

Report this review (#1346513) | Posted by aglasshouse | Friday, January 16, 2015 | Review Permanlink

Ah, the early 90s. What a great time for weird music that was somehow 'commercial.' This was my introduction to Phish, and it led me to become a rabid fan...until they started making really horrid albums (Farmhouse, for example). As a diehard Rush fan, this was initially a challenging listen, since ... (read more)

Report this review (#797197) | Posted by pearty | Monday, July 30, 2012 | Review Permanlink

Rift stands as (in my opinion) their strongest and most accessible album, even more than the "commercialized" Billy Breathes album. Some of their best work is found here, including the title track "Rift", which showcases Anastasio's brilliant guitar work. Other bright spots are "Maze", "Moun ... (read more)

Report this review (#118281) | Posted by Disconnect | Friday, April 13, 2007 | Review Permanlink

OK, I hate jam bands for the most part. That whole Dead scene does not sit well in my ears. I used to associate Phish with the Dead. NO MORE! I was astounded by the technical prowess of these guys. This is not your average jam band. They definitely bring in Progressive Rock elements into t ... (read more)

Report this review (#86482) | Posted by StyLaZyn | Thursday, August 10, 2006 | Review Permanlink

Rift was the first Phish abum I ever heard and I still love it dearly 12 years after first hearing it. This was Phish's sixth album and fourth officially released. This is probably their last truly progressive album. Although their are elements of prog on all of their albums, I wouldn't cat ... (read more)

Report this review (#72486) | Posted by Gianthogweed | Tuesday, March 21, 2006 | Review Permanlink

My personal favorite of all Phish's albums is Rift . A perfect example of what Art Rock should be . You notice I say Art Rock and not Jam Bands . This is due to the fact that while they are a Jam Band , extensively jamming at concerts . This album is a concrete,creative,complex piece of work , ... (read more)

Report this review (#45276) | Posted by B360Lightning | Friday, September 2, 2005 | Review Permanlink

For the casual listener, I reccommend the newer stuff like Farmhouse or the Story of the Ghost. For the progger, this is the finest Phish album in the catalog- even more so than their superb debut Junta. The band had been touring behind the highly eclectic A Picture of Nectar for months, and they ... (read more)

Report this review (#43035) | Posted by | Tuesday, August 16, 2005 | Review Permanlink

There are so many classics on this CD that it is a Must Have! Great FAST ENOUGH, MAZE, HORN, MY FRIEND, and so on. These Studio Versions are very well played and sound very close to the live Performances. ... (read more)

Report this review (#33642) | Posted by | Friday, March 11, 2005 | Review Permanlink

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