Less Bongos, more Melodies
Although the drummer has removed himself from the bongos, they are still present in some songs and the drums are essential to all songs they are in. The melodic style that has characterized Guster for so long continues, with soft and smooth songs that boil over into hot and agressive jams. This CD is a real work that exemplifies why they have been around for so long: They have musical skills that rival anyone out there. It's a shame that they aren't a blink 182 rip off, or sound like linkin park or else they would get played on the radio more. Sarcasm aside, they sound like no top 40 group because they have their own sound and it is hard to dismiss. I do think it's different from their earlier work, but I don't think that's a bad thing, you still find yourself singing along and nodding your head. They are layered and deep, you just can't listen on the surface and expect to get anything from that.