[Sidebar] The Worcester Phoenix
January 28 - February 4, 2000

[Music Reviews]

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*** 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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