Away From The World

Away from the World is the first Dave Matthews Band record in 14 years to be produced by Steve Lillywhite and recalls their ‘90s heyday—the dynamic, orchestral folk-pop of “Mercy,” for example—without falling victim to retracing their steps. They go for broke with some heavy riffage on the stomping, high-energy “Rooftop,” and “Belly Belly Nice” is a majorly funky, toe-tapping trip. It ends with the nearly 10-minute “Drunken Soldier,” as Matthews offers life advice over delicate folk, rockin’ crescendos, and hazy, soft funk.