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This Boston-based trio might well be the mellowest party band in rock history, what with their emphasis on acoustic guitar and simple hand percussion -- not to mention an exceedingly sunny disposition. With their second major-label release, Guster have amped up their typically laid-back approach, expanding the sonic palette and turning the volume up -- on occasion -- to wake-the-neighbors level. That's most obvious on songs like "Red Oyster Cult," a surreal layering of falsetto vocals and staccato rhythms (for which percussionist Brian Rosenworcel actually employs a full kit, sticks and all). Likewise, "Come Downstairs and Say Hello" unskeins in loopy circles, demonstrating a chummy looseness that's reminiscent of Yo La Tengo's mellower side. As ever, Ryan Miller and Adam Gardner throw in plenty of wink-and-a-nod vocal tricks -- particularly on the bluegrass-flavored "Jesus on the Radio" and the winsome "Ramona" (which made an earlier appearance on MTV2 Handpicked, Vol. 2). Not all of the digressions work out perfectly; for example, the synthesizer coating of "Homecoming King" rings a bit hollow, in light of the band's organic rooting. Still, given the surplus of memorable melodies and relatable tales -- "Amsterdam" sticks in the head long after the disc is back on the shelf -- Keep It Together is a natural high. David Sprague, Barnes & Noble