Guster

Long after forming their band while freshmen at Tufts University, alt-rock outfit Guster is going strong with Look Alive. Started in 1991 by Adam Gardner, Ryan Miller and Brian Rosenworcel—and now with Luke Reynolds—the band still knows how to drum up buzz for a new album, this one coming four years after their last release. The multi-instrumentalists known for their jangling banjos and vocal harmonies have evolved their sound since their 1995 sendup, Parachute, with vintage synths, Motown vibes and digital percussion infusing some songs on their latest album, set to drop on Jan. 18. Get what you wish for when Guster revives the House of Blues on Jan. 19, the night after its album release. / Nathan Tavares

Photo: Alysse Gafkjen