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.