For fans who have never seen the band live, rarely does a band undergo such a tremendous transformation between the recording studio and the concert stage as Starflyer 59. In the studio, bandleader Jason Martin makes moody soundscapes, overdubbing guitars and repeating themes until they become a droning, mesmerizing "soup of sound." (Apologies to Phil Spector) Live, however, as documented on the new independently released "Black" cd Plugged, with the mix cut back from seven or eight (or even eighty!) guitars to just one, all the emotional undercurrents that percolate just below the surface on Starflyer's albums come raging up to the surface as Martin's ragged guitar pulls against the rock-steady rhythm of Eric Campuzano and Wayne Everett (both late of the Prayer Chain).
Those who doubt that Martin has any real skill at playing guitar will find their doubts assuaged by fiery, passionate extended solos featured on "A Housewife Love Song" and "Blue Collar Love." The band's classic pop instincts are thrown into sharp relief on the stripped-back performances of "You're Mean" and "Do You Ever Feel That Way?" Also present is Martin's use of guitar feedback as a melodic tool, the punk attitude of extended tuning sessions on stage, and all audience banter conducted in French.
Only 1,000 were pressed up, and reportedly they're already all gone. But if enough of you make impassioned pleas to Velvet Blue Music at 9121 Atlanta Ave., Suite 237, Huntington Beach, CA 92646-6309, perhaps they'll make a few more.
Other coverage for this album
Garlic Press #4Reviewed by scottThis is a short CD of 6 songs recorded at a live show this past January. Wayne Everett does the drumming duties, adding his eccentric French speaking to the crowd in between the various songs. This is noisy, a little different than the album versions. Nothing truly spectacular, but a must for the fan of noise and of Starflyer 59.Similar sounding releases
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