The best thing about summer thus far has been World Cup soccer. And now it’s also Guster’s newest album, “Ganging Up on the Sun.” Boston’s acoustic-pop trio has returned after a three-year absence, boasting an album rich in gorgeous melodies and clever lyrics.
Guster has put its college antics aside and explores a more mature sound on its new album. The first track, “Lightning Rod’ is a beautiful arrangement of vocals that opens up the album using Guster’s talent of harmonizing. “Satellite” gets the album going with its extremely catchy hook, and it’s from this song on that listeners are captivated by Guster’s distinctive style.
This album masterfully explores new ground. Guster plays around with different instruments and styles of music. Songs like “The Captain” and “Manifest Destiny” have a honky-tonk bluegrass vibe, while “Ruby Falls” is a sweet, slow song, made memorable by the whispers of a trumpet, somewhat reminiscent of Dave Matthews Band.
Of course, Guster has not lost all of its humor. Lyrics form the track “One Man Wrecking Machine” show that Guster still posses some of its playful nature: “I’m going to see the homecoming queen/ Take her to the Christmas dance/ Maybe now I’ll get in her pants.”
“Ganging Up on the Sun” is a strong and polished album that, to the disappointment of some fans, is more mainstream than what Guster has released previously, but it’s still one heck of an album.