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    Garlic Press #4
    Garlic Press #4/Spy Glass Blue
    Spy Glass Blue — Shadows cover

    Spy Glass Blue

    Shadows

    Reviewed by cyanide

    Label self-releasedGarlic Press #4September 1996
    gothpsychedelic rockmodern rock

    Undoubtedly a great number of people are familiar with Allan Aguirre, the mastermind behind Christian music's seminal underground band, scaterd-few, and its epic album Sin Disease. Since the years following its re-release and the production of another album jawboneofanass, Aguirre surfaces with another musical project, Spy Glass Blue, and its much-anticipated full-length CD, Shadows. To clarify any misconceptions, scaterd-few is still alive, and Spy Glass Blue should not be confused with them, since this project is as different and groundbreaking in its own right. SGB combines elements of goth, psychedelia, and modern rock into a distinct blend of music that alternately drives with energy and drones with a slow burn of intensity underneath the surface. A bit of the scaterd-few similarity can't be denied, though, particularly in the punk element of the first track "Thin and Leaner" and Aguirre's signature vocals which haunt and swoop throughout. The lyrics are vivid but follow an almost stream-of-consciousness style with themes that express bitterness and confront hypocrisy, yet do not alienate the listener. The same can be said about the album as a whole--scaterd-few fans may approach Spy Glass Blue with certain expectations which may or may not be fulfilled, but they'll definitely come away with an enjoyment and appreciation of this brilliantly produced independent album.

    Other coverage for this album

    7ball #12Reviewed by Chris WellAllan Aguirre is an artist. Best known for his band scaterd few, his new group Spy Glass Blue features the same quirky alternative bent we've come to expect. Originally an indie project, Shadows is a collaboration with bassist River Tunnell and guitarist Kane Kelly. The album, which is finally finding national release, is a musical tapestry with many different elements woven together: If The Cure…

    Also in Garlic Press #4

    Overthrow — Quench or WitherGhoti Hook — Sumo SurpriseDamien Jurado — TrampolineTrou-de-Loup — Cerebral CorsetRainbow Rider — We'll Last So LongJupiter James — John the Mad ManFriends of Dean Martinez — Cordova / Monte CarloPunkture — PunktureBon Voyage — Issue 1Blah — Blah