Tonight, Ames will be invaded.

The invaders will be transported in an armada of VW micro-buses, donned in tie-dyed T-shirts, and will inflict the vending of their delicious veggie burritos on every passer-by.

What brings these peaceful militants to our fair city? None other than the free-flowing innovative music of the Vermont foursome, Phish.

Known for its extended jams, on stage improvisation and never playing the same set twice, Phish has made a name for itself as one of the best live bands today.

And why not? They’ve been going at it full steam since 1983 when guitarist Trey Anastasio first posted fliers around the University of Vermont advertising for a band. His call was answered by drummer Jon Fishman and bassist Mike Gordon. Adding keyboardist Page McConnel in 1985, Phish was complete.

Word began to spread they were the hottest new band around. Along with playing bigger venues came the bigger following of fans, accurately named “Phish-heads.”

The results of the 13 year, seven album journey are one of the strongest fan bases and Phish’s latest release, Billy Breathes.

The band has commented that the album is its best release to date, with its more subtle grooves and heartfelt song writing.

“This album really shows the benefit of us being together for 13 years,” Fishman said in a press release. “We got down to the essence of each song. I think we’re becoming more focused on making songs, rather than building around extended jams.”

Breathes also has the added talents of Anastasio’s childhood friend, Tom Marshall, who gives his input through his beautiful, poetic lyrics. On a recent trip to the Cayman islands, the song writing team wrote 27 different tunes, many of which show up on the latest release.

“Tom and I are really close,”Anastasio said. “For some reason we connect. He is able to put into words feelings I have.”

The overall feeling of the album is more introspective with sweet tracks like “Talk” and “Swept Away.” But it still has its share of rockers such as the radio friendly “Free” and “Character Zero.”

“As we were recording it, the album started to take on its own personality,” Anastasio said. “It started feeling like a story. I’m a sequencing fanatic, and I really got into it on this album. When we sequenced the record, the idea was for it to be a journey from one place to another.”

The critics are even giving Billy Breathes high praises. In a four star review, Rolling Stone said that, “As rustic as the New England Countryside, Billy Breathes is a warm declaration of optimism … a breath of fresh air.”

The touring sequence will bring Phish to Hilton Coliseum tonight on its first stop in Ames.

Tickets for the 7:30 p.m. show are still available for $22.50 at the Iowa State Center Box Office or call 233-1888 to charge by phone.