With the magnetism of bongos, a couple of guitars and a few very cool guys, power-pop/folk band Guster might be the only force that could have kept students from staying in to watch the Buffalo Bills game last Sunday night.
The lighthearted Boston-based trio, which has formed a faithful fan base of head-bobbing college students over the past 10 years, made a stop at Niagara University this past weekend. With opening act acclaimed Canadian songwriter Sam Roberts, the night was immersed in a unique groove underneath the stars.
Since the band's June release of their fourth album, "Keep It Together," fans have heard a more diverse range of intricate melodies. The trio has expanded their sound with an electric guitar, a full drum set and another touring member, the instrumentally diverse Joe Pisapia.
Drumming is essential to Guster's new realm of sound in songs like "Amsterdam" and the powerful "Red Oyster Cult," a dramatic composition about the complacent life of a fraternity brother.
After three of the band members found their way back from Canada to arrive on stage just in the nick of time, an unassuming Guster took their positions on the stage prepared to deliver a humorous and energetic performance, as usual. A few beats of the bongos opened up their first song "Demons" from their 1998 release, "Goldfly."
A few songs later, the crowd may have found themselves forgetting the cold wind on account of flying beach balls and a cover of the Talking Heads' "Nothing But Flowers" that were reminiscent of a much warmer climate.
Percussionist Brian Rosenworcel, who is affectionately referred to by his fans as "Thundergod," kept up the temperature with a passionate aggression toward his bongos during the song "Happier," demonstrating the band's abilities as a live act.
Because Guster's fame is not yet as colossal as that of Dave Matthews Band, they drew a crowd of honest, down to earth "Airport Song"-loving fans. Most of those attending the show could recite the melancholy lyrics with Ryan Miller (vocals and guitar) and Adam Gardner (guitar and vocals) while Rosenworcel kept the rhythm rolling.
Separating one song from another, Miller knocked down the barriers between band and crowd with short, witty anecdotes about their day in Niagara Falls, Canada.
Their onstage presence created an inviting and friendly atmosphere for the students to relax and have a good time.To appreciate Guster for all they offer, it is crucial to see a live show. This is where their passion resides.
According to Roseworcel, he believes that perhaps he and his band are on their way to releasing a live record sometime in the near future.
"We are almost tight enough to make a live album," said Rosenworcel in between songs. "We've been recording every show."
Like their records, the live show was a roller coaster of inviting and friendly melodies that made for easy listening. As the sound fluctuated from mellow songs like "Ramona" to energetic ones like "Fa Fa," the fans embraced the ride and everything in between.
Carrying their performance to a solid finish, the band returned in comedic fashion for an encore, making a fashion statement. They played the motivational track "Keep It Together" and their classic "Airport Song," all while wearing Maid of the Mist ponchos, straight from their tourist stop at the Falls.
Although the band's quirky antics were unpredictable, Guster's performance was anything but a box of chocolates. Fans of the band knew exactly what they would get from the concert: a great show.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
