Truth be told, however, the music this Chicago septet makes is the kind of music the ex-Policeman probably wishes he could make. For while the demands of his legendary back-catalog and the demands of modern radio are a burdensome dictator of Sting’s output, Bamboo Grove are free to shape and concoct a unique rock/world music elixir.

Six Wall Solution is jangly, progressive and atmospheric without (for the most part) the longish, bloated tendencies that weaker bands of this ilk sometimes produce. Each song on Solution features a healthy dose of improvisation without compromising the essential pop nature of the record.

"Lost in the Shade," for example, kicks off with a Dave Matthews-esque acoustic finger-picked pattern and a polyrhythmic bongo-wash. But instead of letting the song get bogged down in the rootsy accessories, singer Mike Whittaker steps in to keep the song moving by way of his sweet, staccato vocal delivery. Fans of Jamiorquai, Phish and the aforementioned Sting will find plenty to enjoy here.

"Wishbone," another midtempo highlight, underscores the band’s potential as a groove-pop outfit. Cool, and danceable, the song is propelled by a clipped, seventh chords progression. Tasteful keyboard interludes and wah-wah guitar bits hint at the song’s potential as an epic live number. Several of the songs on Solution also bear this promise.