Guster - Ganging Up On the Sun

Maybe Guster will finally find the mainstream success that they so desperately deserve

"I definitely think this is our most ambitious album and we were a lot more fearless going into this one musically, lyrically and production-wise. In some ways, these songs are all over the map in texture and sound and tempo and feel but I hope, and think, that there emerges a through line that draws them all together. What that line is, I don't really know. Melody? Pop sensibility?"

-Ryan Miller, of Guster

Guster has always seemed to be one of those bands that are capable of making magnificent, fantastic music; but has never actually been capable of doing it all at the same time, on one record. Virtually each and every Guster record ever released has been a flawed masterpiece, with 2003's near-perfect Keep It Together showing signs that, yes, the boys of Guster may very well be capable of making a perfect album. And in spades, do they.

Flash forward three years after the release of Keep It Together, not forgetting the release of their unforgettable '04 live CD/DVD Guster On Ice, and that brings us to their latest studio full-length: Ganging Up On The Sun. As I mentioned a few moments ago, Guster has always been capable of writing some great, great songs. Look on any record they've released, and I guarantee you'll find at least two or three shining gems of greatness. But, I suppose it has taken all of around these ten years of playing, and honing their skills, to finally make this: what is undoubtedly the best record of their career.

As far as the sound goes, Guster has finally found a perfect, tightrope balance between their signature bongo drum beats, and the traditional drum kit; using whichever will truly, fully compliment the sound and tone of each song to it's greatest potential. The songwriting on Ganging Up has also taken an unexpected climb up on the poetic ladder, which comes as no surprise after the evolution and versatility they showcased so easily on Keep It Together. Their isn't a song here that doesn't house some great wit, deep thoughts, and so lovably catchy lyrics as to the point that you're nearly shocked that, track after track, things just continue to get better and better.

Basically every song on this release is catchy enough to be a radio single, but at the same time, virtually every track here also has the depth and poise to become a beloved by fans deep cut from the album, as well. Ganging Up is the perfect release to more than break the expectations of their already substantial fan base, as well as garner them quite a few new recruits in the process.

Opening things strongly with the subdued “Lightning Rod,” the three highest of the highlights are to follow: the catchy “Satellite,” fantastically written “Manifest Destiny,” and my vote for first single, the beguiling tale of a man looking back at aspects of his life in the past, but still seeming to bring no wisdom from the future with him--”One Man Wrecking Machine.” It's stunning, simply stunning. Things never let up, though; with the country-tinged “The Captain” following, catchy rocker “The New Underground” soon after that; and things eventually wind down with the perfect album closing piece “Hang On.”

This is the album that, if you're not already a Guster fan, will surely make you one. Maybe now, the fellows of Guster will finally find the mainstream success that they so desperately deserve. You would surely be hard pressed to choose a more deserving album for fame from their repertoire, and that is saying quite a bit in itself. Do yourself a favor, and buy this album.

(Reprise Records)