Down to Earth Approach

The fresh-faced quartet Down to Earth Approach might look barely old enough to legally enter Studio A, where the band plays Thursday. But really, the guys have been at it now for the better part of a decade. Forming first in their native New York state, they decamped to California in 2000.

All the better for their music. They call the formerly emo-punk Vagrant Records home, and there's definitely an identifiable influence from early Vagrant artists like the Get Up Kids and Saves the Day. Read: Their music is characterized by introspective lyrics and gut-wrenching, sweeping choruses, but they always favor melody over the guttural yelps of other post-hardcore outfits.

Just as the band's label has branched out into more eclectic, grown-up territory, so has Down to Earth Approach. Its latest album, Come Back to You, released in July, is a thoughtful collection of earnest, hook-laden pop-rock. No gimmicks, no filler — just straight-ahead, mature reflections on love and life, propelled by charming, slightly ragged guitars and vocalist Jonathan Lullo's pleasingly midrange croon. It's a style that is refreshingly ... honest.