Phish released their 14th studio album on Tuesday. The announcement was made the evening
prior and was said to take place on April 1, during a special live-stream release, just in time for
April Fools Day. The release date had ‘Phans’ predicting the news to be a prank. However the
news was not a joke, and the 9-track LP, ‘Sigma Oasis’ is now available for purchase on all
digital platforms.
On March 24, the band began to hoist heavy hearts down-weighted during quarantine (coupled
with the uncertainty of Summer Tour dates). To help ease the blues, Phish began hosting
Dinner and a Movie: An Archival Video Series. The free webcast of a pre-recorded live shows
can be seen every Tuesday evening, …and “for every Tuesday for a while”.
This past Tuesday, fans streamed Phish’s second installment of Dinner and a Movie, a
presentation of the July 27, 2014 Columbia, Maryland show at Merriweather Post Pavilion.
During the show, fans collectively raised $34,881.23 for the WaterWheel Foundation, in support
of Meals on Wheels America.
During “set-break,” the band channeled-in live from their homes, discussing the show from
spectators POV, while poking in jest at that particular rendition of “Jennifer Dances”.
Additionally, Phish keyboardist, Paige McConnell, made the big announcement for the new
studio album release of Sigma Oasis, inviting everyone to tune in to the April 1 live stream-
release.
Phish is known for the beautiful jam-funkiness that is their music. The band has a large
communal following, and is known to have an ingenious schtick or two in the bag, and it’s part of
the awe surrounding this band. If you’re unfamiliar, just look up Kasvot Växt, and delve on in.
Needless to say, fans chattered back and fourth across social media platforms, discussing what
could be in store, as well as the possibility that the band could be throwing a curveball their way.
After all, Sigma Oasis, was announced to be released on April Fools. Though not a hoax at all,
over 40,000 people joined the live-listening party for the release of Sigma Oasis, and based
upon listener commentary, it was widely well received.
All of the tracks have individually been performed live at various Phish shows, but the studio
album was mostly recorded over a 7-day period in November at guitarist Trey Anastasio’s
Vermont barn-studio.
Music much like any art, can be up for interpretation, however, the compilation of Sigma Oasis
is remarkably apropos to the times of the world, especially during recent weeks, and
foreseeably for the weeks to come.
Sigma Oasis, is an album of gorgeous irony.
In these hard times, it urges us to seek memories from deep in the heart to get by. It lends the
moral lesson that ‘compassion gives way if you listen to greed’. It acknowledges the chaos
during the long days felt by us all. It reminds us to appreciate the little things, but especially the
people we love, because they might not be here for long. Most importantly, Sigma Oasis, is a
reminder to us all, ‘don’t give up hope’.
You can check out Phish’s Dinner and a Movie: An Acrchival Video Series for free Tuesdays at
8:30 pm EST. via webcast.livephish.com or by going to Phish’s Facebook page.
Gloria Ruth FInney
