Guster shines on 'Gold'

Ryan Malkin

REVIEW
	Goldfly Sire Guster

Guster is certainly on its way to the top of the music industry. Until recently, this trio out of Boston worked entirely on its own, but Guster has now released "Goldfly," which has been available via independent distribution since March 1997.

With plentiful displays of talented songwriting throughout "Goldfly," it would not be surprising to see Guster become as commercially successful as the likes of Blues Traveler or Dave Matthews Band in the near future.

The first track on Goldfly is "Great Escape," delivering a more hard-rock sound than most other Guster jams, bringing out a side of the band that many would like to see more of in the future. Next is "Demons," a traditional Guster song with amazing lyrics, displaying a more refined harmony than the trio found on its earlier project.

"Perfect," the third track on "Goldfly," exhibits guitarist/vocalist Ryan Miller's impressive lyrical ability. After the harmony-laden "Airport Song," we are moved into "Medicine," a beautifully arranged song that establishes Guster as bona-fide musicians, if any doubt could have been raised prior to this point.

Guster's lyrics and harmonies consume the listener most noticeably in "X-Ray Eyes," a song filled with a more prominent percussion beat than any other offerings on "Goldfly." This unique soulful melody is characteristic of what longtime fans have c ome to expect from this up-and-coming trio.

"Bury Me" shows off the outstanding percussion work of Brian Rosenworcel with an upbeat melody and a raging bridge. Concluding this outstanding album is "Rocketship," bringing together all of the Guster techniques once again in a rush of melodic adrenaline. Although each of the songs on "Goldfly" is a unique piece of art, "Rocketship," may indeed be the best song on the album. The addicting lyrics and chorus make the listener want to hit repeat for hours.

"Goldfly"'s fresh and original tracks are sure to plant the seed for Guster's growth in its already expanding niche in the current landscape of rock 'n' roll.

04-14-98