Hoist
Phish · 1994
50 min · 11 tracks · alternative rock
A vibrant blend of funk rock and progressive elements, infused with improvisational energy and intricate musical storytelling.
Top tracks — play these first
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Julius Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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Down With Disease — The opening track features a dynamic groove that combines catchy melodies with complex time signatures, showcasing the band’s signature improvisational flair.
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Sample in a Jar — This song blends thoughtful lyrics with an infectious melody, making it one of the band's most recognizable tracks and a staple in their live performances.
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Demand — Closing the album, this track captures the essence of Phish's thematic exploration of desire and anticipation, highlighted by its extended instrumental sections.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Hoist showcases Phish's blend of funk rock and progressive elements with strong musicianship but lacks cohesive flow.
What we noticed
- The use of layered instrumentation and harmonies is prominent, with multiple guitar lines weaving through the arrangements.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- wave-like pacing with dynamic shifts
- lively energy for social gatherings
- intricate melodies for detail-focused listening
- cathartic build towards climax
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- seek straightforward, single-focused albums
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Marked Phish's rise in mainstream recognition post their earlier success.
- Themes
- jam band culture· late-night revelry· musical improvisation
- Career context
- When Phish released Hoist in March 1994, they were on the cusp of mainstream recognition following their breakthrough album, A Picture of Nectar. This marked their first studio album after signing with Elektra Records, allowing them to expand their sound and reach a wider audience while still maintaining their eclectic style.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Umphrey's McGee· Grateful Dead· Widespread Panic
Tracklist
- 1 Julius Start here 4:42
- 2 Down With Disease 4:07
- 3 If I Could 4:09
- 4 Riker’s Mailbox 0:26
- 5 Axilla, Part II 4:28
- 6 Lifeboy 6:54
- 7 Sample in a Jar 4:41
- 8 Wolfman’s Brother 4:28
- 9 Scent of a Mule 4:02
- 10 Dog Faced Boy 2:11
- 11 Demand 10:42
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Uncivilized Area
Disco Biscuits
Similar blend of jam band improvisation with electronic influences and vibrant, danceable grooves.
Anchor Drops
Umphrey's McGee
Combines intricate arrangements and extended jams with a focus on progressive rock elements and funk.
Dose
Gov't Mule
Shares the same late-night revelry vibe with blues-infused rock and improvisational flair.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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