Guster in the Wind

Guster reimagine their sound ahead of a show at House of Blues on Jan. 21

The '90s gave us Gecko clothing; massive cell phones, a la "Saved by the Bell"; and neon everything -- it was a migraine-inducing decade. Which is probably why '90s rock came on strong, massaging deep vocals and guitar solos into musical cold compresses that now are more mind-numbingly monotonous than therapeutic (hey, it's a different time). Once of that tradition, Guster explore a transformation on their latest album, and come Wednesday, Jan. 21, they bring that something new to House of Blues.

The Boston-born outfit had this whole bongo thing for a while -- a long while -- and got noticed for its stripped-down, affable sound. But after a few years and as many albums, something had to change. The addition of a real drum kit saw the group adding more hits to their growing list of successes. But even that was more than 10 years ago. Now, they've released "Evermotion," and it's enough to make you forget that this band once bounced on bongos at all.

Guster's seventh studio album and the first full-length in four years, "Evermotion," waxes ethereal grooviness. The Richard Swift–produced effort is a (welcome) step away from what initially garnered Guster recognition, forgoing '90s rock in lieu of darker storms of orchestral pop, synth plugs and atmospheric echoes. Since the last album, the group has added a member and left a major record label, and in doing so, are taking stock of who they are and what they're capable of creating. And, thankfully, that's happening sans neon hues.

Guster play House of Blues on Wednesday, Jan. 21, at 8 p.m., $25, all ages. Kishi Bashi opens.

Hannah Lott-Schwartz, a San Diego native, moved back to the area after working the magazine-publishing scene in Boston. Now she’s straight trolling SD for all the music she missed while away. Want to help? Hit her up with just about anything at all over on Twitter, where -- though not always work-appropriate -- she means well.

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