Album Review: Guster – Evermotion

Guster – Evermotion 81E5xyYzwyL._SL1500__560_560
Review By Dan Chapman

Rating: 9/10

Guster resurfaced this year to release their seventh studio album, Evermotion. For a band that has been around for twenty years now, their ability to transcend generations is impeccable. Evermotion excellently showcases this ability with assistance from producer Richard Swift, bassist for the Black Keys and keyboardist for The Shins. Swift’s unique production style matched oh-so perfectly with that of Guster, allowing them to pursue this album in a purely artistic and natural setting. The work they have done on this record truly highlights their musicianship and ability to constantly push their personal boundaries to find that perfect sound.

The album opens with the track “Long Night,” which features flowing and ambient guitar riffs, pitter-pattering drums, and the drive of a catchy xylophone melody. A few tracks later, the funky and uplifting tones of “Doin’ It By Myself” subtly urge the listener into the quick-paced and poppy portion of the record. The next track and the first single to come from the record, “Simple Machine,” further showcase their ability to make a pop-track fit for the alternative genre. This also serves as a knock towards this album, simply because this track seems to stand out far too much from the rest of the extremely cohesive album.

This multifaceted record just never ceases to amaze me. I’ve been solely listening to Evermotion for a week now and each track continues to surprise me. I hear hints of Ben Folds, The Shins, and the classic Guster sound. They achieve a plethora of genres, ranging from folk to modern alternative. With this album, Guster has proved that though they have been around the block a few times, they are completely willing to push their sound to the next level and they show no sign of slowing down after this masterpiece of an album.

 

FCC: Clean

Recommended Tracks: 1,3,5

RIYL: Ben Folds, The Shins, OK Go

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