Music Review: Trey at home in "Bar 17"

Trey Anastasio, "Bar 17" (Rubber Jungle)

Former Phish frontman Trey Anastasio seems to feel much more at home in "Bar 17," his second solo release since his famed jam band called it quits.

"Bar 17" is an inconsistent effort, most notably sporting some weak lyrics. But compared with his very pop-oriented previous effort "Shine," this one comes off as a much more comfortable fit.

He finds the most success with quieter, introspective tunes like "A Case of Ice and Snow," a haunting track punctuated by a beautiful organ melody.

"Goodbye Head" could have fit on any Phish record while "Let Me Lie" comes off as a

Syd Barrett-esque, early Pink Floyd ditty that has much more going on beneath the surface than a cursory listen may reveal.

"Bar 17" was three years in the making, and the variety of songs and musical styles — orchestral, full-out rock, acoustic — exemplify the influence of the 40 musicians who are credited with playing on its 13 tracks.

Unlike "Shine," which felt heavily produced and packaged, "Bar 17" feels much more airy and a better fit for Anastasio's guitar-playing style. It's another step in his evolution as a solo performer and its one that Phish fans and those new to his music should pay attention to.