With Americana it's probably fair to say Starflyer 59 has grown out of its shoegazer shoes. While there's nothing here to cause the average My Bloody Valentine fan to jump ship, there are plenty of new stylistic twists to make new fans out of those not already initiated into the vibe of this fine band. Ringleader Jason Martin is joined by Wayne Everett (drums) and Eric Campuzano (bass), both formerly of Prayer Chain (and now in Lassie Foundation). The two help Martin bring his dreamy musical vision to life. Americana opens with a huge guitar riff of a number called "The Voyager," which sounds just like a typical Starflyer dirge--until, all of a sudden, a groovy organ thing kicks in; it's producer Gene Eugene adding a bit of his old school credentials to this post-punk leader's recording, and creating something new. With "Harmony," the group combines a sweet melody with twangy surf guitar licks, reminding listeners that, although Starflyer may sound hipper than a lot of what comes out of rainy old England, the members are physically from a part of the country which gave the world The Beach Boys and surf culture. Just when you think Martin has pulled every trick he knows out of his sleeve, along comes "You Think You're Radical," which sounds like some missing track from the Cowboy Junkies. Guitars slide in a slow motion waltz, the organ sounds as if it's out of a church service and Martin's vocals let out a mournful sigh. Listening to Americana is a lot like our best dreams. Especially the ones we remember in the morning, but can't quite figure out just what they mean.
Other coverage for this album
Opus 2000Reviewed by Jason MoreheadWith Starflyer's early albums, one could compare them to My Bloody Valentine, Swervedriver, Sonic Youth, Jesus and Mary Chain, etc. Americana is different. This is by far the most "rock and roll" of Starflyer's albums, but that doesn't mean it's boring and contrived. One needs only to hear the swirling moogs and pop hooks on "The Hearttaker" (one of the best songs Martin has ever written) or the…Garlic Press #6Reviewed by krystal violetI was surprised the first time i heard this, not because of any strange style departures but ironically, due to the lack thereof, especially since this album was being touted as just a "rock and roll album" as opposed to the spacey wall of sound thing which dominated the silver and gold albums. This is unmistakably Starflyer guitar, vocals and even snare dreaminess, mind you, more of a simple,…The Phantom Tollbooth 1997Reviewed by Josh SpencerIt took me forever to review this album, because I could never make it all the way through. I would always fall asleep by the 3rd song or so. Don't get me wrong--this is groovy stuff, but their steady, dreamy rhythms and floating vocals put me out every time. I expected this album to be pretty different from previous efforts, but it sounds like the same ole S59 to me. I think of these guys like…Similar sounding releases
2003The Prayer ChainHere Comes the Rust
1997Common ChildrenDelicate Fade
2004They Sang As They SlewGet Well
1998DumpsterSee Through Me
1999LuxuryLuxury
2005StatisticsOften LieMore from Starflyer 59
2001Leave Here a Stranger
2005Talking Voice vs. Singing Voice
2005The Last Laurel
1999Everybody Makes Mistakes
1995Le Vainqueur
2002Can't Stop Eating
