After a hiatus of sorts lasting four years, the Dave Matthews band has come back with their latest contribution, "Big Whiskey And The Groogrux King". To say it is a departure from the earlier work of DMB would be an understatement and stating the obvious.

The Dave Matthews Band, has been known for a more rocking sound then their contemporary counterparts such as Phish or Moe. This album takes a different turn towards areas that they have yet to visit. DMB breaks away from their early, main stream sound, and uses this album to expand on a more mature approach towards music and it's influences, while highlighting their departed friend and founding band member, LeRoi Moore.

The bands saxophonist, Moore, died in 2008, due to complications after a ATV accident. While in the studio Jeff Coffin, has taken the role on the new album. It has been said that this album is a tribute to the late Moore, and it is evident through each album track.

There are many songs on the album, especially "Funny the Way It Is" the albums first track, that reflect on the loss of Moore and the bands reaction to his passing. It is the track that most resembles the old Dave Matthews Band sound while incorporating their new direction. Other tracks, such as "Alligator Pie" and "Baby Blue", deal with the bands time apart and work with others, as well as their experience with producer Rob Cavallo, while recording in Louisiana.

The New Orleans French Quarter sound finds its way into the album alongside more Delta Blues sounding songs and other clear laments. All in all the album is solid with band's ability play showing through even in the absence of LeRoi Moore.

Despite the new directions, fans will still get the same feeling from each new track. As with the previous albums, fans will surely be able to find the heart of their sound and will put "Big Whiskey And The Groogrux King" on the same high praise as "Under the Table and Dreaming" and "Crash".