Unless it is the haggard-looking Rolling Stones, not many groups can boast the longevity of Smithfield Fair, which is now in its 49th year with its 34th album. Just as the Baton Rouge-based folk-centric ensemble did in 2013s Brick and Mortar, the group recorded this entirely live for a resultant organic vibe.

Of these dozen songs, 11 were written by the husband-and-wife team of Dudley-Brian and Jan Smith. “Wasted Time,” the lone non-Smith original, comes from the popular ’70s Central Louisiana group Segewith and wasn’t recorded until now, which is a good thing, since it’s the most emotive performance of all.

Overall, Looking for Wonderland stays true to Smithfield Fair’s trademark sound of layered harmonies, poppy background vocals, acoustic guitars and gliding accordion. When it comes to Smithfield Fair’s erudite songwriting, there’s often an arty phrase to consider like “tethered heart,” “spinning rhymes,” and “when the night is at its darkest.”

While the songs touch upon professions of love and feelings of regret, it’s really the notion of finding Wonderland that bookends the proceedings. The swirly title track represents its mighty quest; “Little Alice” (as in Alice in Wonderland) offers the shell-shocking thought: “Life is not wonderland, but here we are.” The hearty “Live for Better Days” and the Celtic folk-tinged “Stories You Can Tell” compliment the overarching theme by offering thoughts for a better journey.

Interestingly, “O Vincent” suggests that troubled impressionist painter Vincent Van Gogh could have benefitted from kindness and love.

For a change of pace, Jan’s accomplished piano playing is featured on two instrumentals, the rolling “Almost a Silver Lining” and the slinky, parlor-like “Liquid Beignets.” And speaking of pace, it’s an unhurried one that lends itself to calming relaxation and soul reflection.