Don't waste your time listening for bongos here. GANGING UP ON THE SUN sees Guster moving far beyond the groovy college-radio reputation that made them such campus favorites. Admittedly, there are still a few bongos, but this disc continues the progression begun on KEEP IT TOGETHER into a realm of eclectic, countrified guitar-pop.

"Satellite" opens with a strummed acoustic guitar, bubbling bass lines, and a snaking keyboard riff before Ryan Miller's moody melody enters. Before the song is done, there will be distorted guitars, harmonica, organ, and as rich a sound as Guster has achieved so far. "One Man Wrecking Machine" is a nostalgic lament anchored by a full drum kit, with chunky guitar lines and a perfect alt/indie chorus. This album presents a dizzying variety of new faces for the band, all connected by Guster's melodic pop instincts and quirky sensibility.