Dripfield

Forget Goose’s reputation as a jam band. The appeal of *Dripfield* is how it compresses the spirit of what we think of when we think of jam bands—the crunchy eclecticism, the optimism, the lightness—into a listenable album. Stylistically, they range: “Dripfield” sounds not unlike Coldplay, “Arrow” not unlike Fela Kuti, “Slow Ready” not unlike R&B, and “Moonrise” not unlike a campfire ballad. And where they could overpeddle their rootsiness and down-home charm, they instead opt to sound like what it turns out they are: the rare modern-rock band who listens broadly and doesn’t let the pursuit of vibes get in the way of progress.

Following an unlikely breakthrough, the Connecticut quintet known for its euphoric live shows delivers a solid LP that avoids some major pitfalls of jam bands in the studio.