Things are a lot quieter. The last time I say down with Guster, the full band passed around a mic, seated at a table in the front of the sadly now-defunct Grassroots on St. Marks Place.

Percussionist/drummer Brian Rosenworcel came alone this time, and the ambience is little more than an office air conditioner.

It’s a welcome change and one that allows us to get to the heart of the group’s nearly 30 years of existence.

Out in January, Look Alive is the band’s eight record. As with all of their releases, it finds the quarter exploring new venues for music making, including the debut single, “Overexcited,” which adopts a British accent for a surprising homage to Madness.