Guster follow this with “The New Underground,” likely their most rocking song yet, with some Clash guitars and a vampy punk aesthetic. Lead vocalist Ryan Miller has some sneer in his vocals, and I really dig the B-movie organ that finishes the tune. But the “yeah, alright, uh-huh” vocals in the background are straight-up cheese. Other highlights include the Wings-y “Hang On” and the bluesy “C’mon,” full of fat piano.
Perhaps my problems with the album are best illustrated by the seven-minute “Ruby Falls.” After about three minutes of standard rock/pop, there’s an extensive bridge filled with croonings of “sing along,” pitter patters of guitars, and a bouncily repeating bass line. Then comes a female emotive vocal, some digital beeps, and then, yes, a trumpet. Man, they’re throwing the kitchen sink at you here. It even gets ethereal and a little bit sour, finishing with two trumpet tracks.
After reveling in their delicious propensity for singalong, I’m disappointed by a poor man’s Wilco.
On the Web
Guster: www.guster.com
Email the author
Sam Pfeifle: sam_pfeifle@yahoo.com
