Round Room Double 180gm Colored Vinyl LP - Detailed

In this review of Round Room, the double 180gm colored vinyl LP from Jemp Records, the bottom line is simple: this pressing is for listeners who want a warm, collectible vinyl presentation of a loose, live-feeling studio session. Our review finds the package delivers on fidelity and tactile appeal, with a gatefold jacket and heavyweight discs that emphasize analogue warmth and presence. Fans of extended jams and the songwriting partnership that drove these sessions will find the pressing a faithful, enjoyable way to revisit performances recorded at The Barn in Vermont in October 2002.

Key Features

• Double 180gm colored vinyl: Heavier discs reduce resonance and enhance surface noise control for a more stable playback experience on most turntables.
• Gatefold jacket: The sturdy gatefold houses both discs and adds a collectible, archival feel that protects artwork and sleeves during storage.
• Historic recording sessions: The album captures performances recorded over two weekends in October 2002 at The Barn, giving the music a spontaneous, rehearsal-like energy.
• Notable mastering chain: The 2024 lacquers were cut by Chris Bellman at Bernie Grundman, which preserves dynamics while respecting the original Fred Kevorkian mastering.
• Extended tracks included: Several longer pieces such as Pebbles And Marbles, Seven Below, Walls Of The Cave, and Waves showcase improvisational interplay and sustained performances.
• Songwriting credits: The material is mainly written by Trey Anastasio and Tom Marshall, with the title track and Mock Song by Mike Gordon, offering a variety of compositional voices.

Who It's For

Round Room on double 180gm colored vinyl is aimed at collectors and listeners who value tactile, analogue formats and the character of performances captured in a loose studio environment. Those who enjoy extended rock jams and a more organic, live-in-studio sound will appreciate the sequencing and the way the pressing presents low-end and midrange warmth.

Listeners who prefer pristine, modern digital clarity or who need compact portability should look elsewhere; this pressing is about texture, presence, and the collectible nature of heavyweight vinyl rather than digital convenience. Turntable owners with a decent cartridge and tonearm setup will get the most from this release.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• High-mass 180gm discs improve tracking stability and deliver a rich analogue warmth on playback.
• Gatefold packaging makes the release collectible and preserves artwork and liner notes cleanly.
• Sessions recorded at The Barn convey a loose, authentic performance energy that suits the material.
• 2024 lacquers cut by Chris Bellman at Bernie Grundman retain dynamics while honoring the original mastering.

Cons

• Colored vinyl can sometimes show more surface noise than traditional black pressings, so sound cleanliness depends on manufacturing and handling.
• Extended tracks mean longer groove runs that may demand careful cartridge setup to avoid mistracking on some entry-level turntables.

Specifications

Format	Double LP
Vinyl weight	180gm
Color	Colored vinyl
Packaging	Gatefold jacket
Recording location	The Barn, Vermont
Recording dates	October 2002 (four days over two weekends)
Mastering	Initial mastering by Fred Kevorkian; 2024 lacquers cut by Chris Bellman at Bernie Grundman

Our Verdict

For fans of extended rock jams and collectors who prize heavyweight, well-packaged vinyl, Round Room is a worthwhile purchase that balances authentic performance feel with a tactile, archival presentation. It offers good value to those who will play it on a properly set-up turntable and appreciate the historical context of the 2002 sessions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a remaster or original master?
The album uses the original mastering by Fred Kevorkian for the release history, with 2024 lacquers cut by Chris Bellman at Bernie Grundman for the vinyl pressing.

How many discs are included?
This release is a double LP set, pressed on 180gm colored vinyl and housed in a gatefold jacket.

Will colored vinyl affect playback quality?
Colored vinyl can sometimes be slightly more prone to audible surface noise than black vinyl, but the 180gm weight and careful lacquer cutting help maintain strong playback fidelity.