Away from the World

If you feel a sense of sonic déjà vu after hitting play on Dave Matthews Band’s seventh studio album, that could very well be because they reunited with Steve Lillywhite, the man who produced their first three albums. And should further familiarity resonate, that’s because Matthews and company have been test-driving the songs "If Only," "Gaucho," "Sweet" and standout ballad "Mercy" live in concerts, prior to tracking them for Away From The World. Aside from second song “Belly Belly Nice” recalling the propulsive funk of “Ants Marching,” “Broken Things” opens to reveal that this is hardly a 1990s throwback album or nostalgic trip. Sure, those old tones fit the band like a worn-in pair of jeans, but the arrangements here are more complex — and yet the guys play them with an impressive contrast of soulful ease and dexterous musicianship. When matched with vintage tube-amps, grinding Hammond organ and a subtly mixed-in horn section the slow burning soul groove of “If Only” stands out like a Memphis barbecue in Virginia.