Meh...this album was a disappointment to me.
I loved every single song on Lost & Gone Forever + Keep It Together, but I liked less of the music in Ganging up on the Sun and even less than that from this new album.
I was disappointed to see Joe no longer a part of the band, though I was once struggling to take in what he had input to the band years ago.
A few of the tracks are good. Great even, but like you said, they've changed their style too much.
They used to be one of a kind in a way. With Brian's hand drums, Adam's low toned harmonies and low-tuned guitar playing the basslines with Ryan's higher pitched harmonies and catchy guitar melodies fit together so well back in the day. Joe found a way to improve with things like e-bows and catchy guitar solos, but the new guy may not be able to give the same wonderful input (I know Joe helped a bit with this album though).
Adam and Ryan no longer make those amazing vocal harmonies together, and Brian's lost his trademark drumming style (though arthritis/joint problems or worries may be a factor).
Like you said, growing old sucks.
I think my biggest problem with the album is that Guster is finally getting recognition; I hear them on the radio all the time now, but it's for the wrong songs!
I just wish they'd be recognized for the songs that really represented them in my point of view.
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