*** Starflyer 59
EVERYBODY MAKES MISTAKES
(Tooth & Nail)
If this album had been recorded in 1984 or 1986, it might well now be considered one of
the better indie discs of that decade -- a shining example of everything that
was right about college radio and, well, the otherwise scurrilous '80s in
general. The hazy New Zealand-style dream pop of the disc's opening track,
"Play the C Chord," is just one of a half-dozen or more signature '80s sounds
that pop up on this California foursome's fifth full-length. Two tunes in, on
the overtly New Order-ish (and tellingly titled) "No New Kinda Story,"
Starflyer 59 singer/guitarist Jason Martin may even be addressing his fetish
for ornate retro sonic architecture. Over a lush bed of tremolo guitars,
artfully scattered piano notes, and a radiant synth line, he claims that "this
is what we want . . . this is what we need to breathe out all
the love that we have." At least that's what I think he's saying. Martin
buries his vocals underneath so many gauzy blankets of echo that it's hard to
be sure. Heck, the guy could be singing the words to "Bizarre Love Triangle"
for all I know.
-- Jonathan Perry
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