I really appreciate this great piece of writing. Phish seems to have more confidence and more balance than ever before, yet, with seemingly taking less “extreme musical risks” than before, yet, still being able to blow your fucking mind whenever they feel like it. THAT, I think, is at the crux of what you’re writing about. They know exactly who they are as individual musicians, people, and as a band; they can distort, expand, warp, recenter, and ground themselves with the most fluid of ease. This confidence also manifests in the sheer variety of micro jams layered within, and outside of, the Big jams. Phish is on complete control of themselves, with actually trying to control anything - it is a shared understanding and acceptance of their own identity that allows the music to be so fresh and easy and exceptional.