Populist music may have originated with the Grateful Dead in those heady, high-spirited days of the mid-‘60s, but its evolution has continued unabated ever since. Although the communal bond often conflicts with economical and familial concerns, certain bands are adept at rekindling the connection on the road, luring the legions to festivals and other special gatherings through the accessibility of their music, social media and other declarations of devotion to their fans and followers.
Guster is typical of those bands that put its faithful front and center. Consistent road warriors, the Boston-based outfit reaches out directly to its admirers, offering them special perks and opportunities to get up close and personal. Early albums were released independently and sold mainly through word of mouth. Yet, that everyman approach has never curbed their more ambitious intents. Often described as a jam band, Guster has developed a melodic style that’s generally appealing to all, allowing the group to occasionally score a chart hit in the process.
Guster takes a decided turn in direction with Evermotion, due mainly to the album’s softer sound and songs that evoke gentler, less complicated constraints. Having sidelined — at least temporarily — the band’s more adventurous designs, the new album finds vocalist Ryan Miller opting for a hazy, somewhat seductive singing style that’s clearly capable of lulling listeners into a state of dreamy repose. Fortunately, it’s as satisfying as it is soothing, avoiding any tendency to drift into realms of ambiance or introspection. The quiet, shimmering tones emitted through such songs as “Long Night”, “Doin’ It Myself”, “Endlessly”, “Expectation”, and “Gangway” suggest the fact that Guster may be content to take things at a less hurried pace. Regardless, longtime fans should be pleased; their pop-like presence remains in the form of “Gangway”, its accompanying chorus of “la-la-las” affirming a generally merry mood.
Even so, the title does create a certain contradiction. Despite its obvious allure, Evermotion more or less meanders along at a markedly unhurried pace, and even the vague psychedelic lilt of a track like “Lazy Love” or the full-on kinetic pull of “Simple Machine” don’t disrupt that amiable embrace. Consequently, there are times when one wishes the band would accelerate the tempo and allow the freewheeling style of old to return to the fore.
Nevertheless, Evermotion is ideal accompaniment for a relaxed morning after, especially if the night before was given to rowdy revelry and overextended indulgence. In the past, Guster’s music may have accompanied said behavior and left it to others to provide the tranquil tones in its aftermath. Nowadays though,they’re given to different intents, and Guster serves its admirers in ways more conducive to an overly simulated society. Given these turbulent times, these supple sounds are clearly called for. And in fact most welcome. As a result, Evermotion provides a pleasant respite.