Starflyer 59's most recent effort, The Fashion Focus, is the latest chapter in Starflyer's history of experimental Christian rock. My first experience with the band was the "silver" album, their debut self-titled CD. I quickly became quite fond of their characteristic dream-pop, distorted sound that was a delight to the subconscious. Perhaps I was just expecting more of the same, or perhaps I had my hopes set too high for this album. Whatever the case, The Fashion Focus does not do for me what previous albums have.
This is not to say that this album does not have its bright spots. It starts off strong with "I Drive a Lot" and the seventh track, "The Birthrite," is reminiscent of their older material as well. Track eleven, "Too Much Fun," begins in the same way, but soon changes focus, heading in the same direction as a lot of songs on this album do towards a hybrid Radiohead/Oasis sound instead of the Starflyer I am used to hearing.
In the end, while the album certainly isn't terrible, not being a fan of either of the aforementioned bands, it did not hold the appeal for me that their older efforts do. I am sure that many will still enjoy this album so I nonetheless recommend it, with noted reservations.
2.5 tocks
Other coverage for this album
Opus 2002Reviewed by Jason MoreheadIf one were to chart the musical territory that Starflyer 59 has crossed since releasing Silver in 1994, one would have a very interesting map. With Silver they dived headfirst into the (by then) waning shoegazer scene. Think thick walls of guitar and breathy vocals straight off of a My Bloody Valentine album mixed with the dream-rock of Catherine Wheel and Swervedriver. Gold saw Jason Martin and…Exit Zine 1999Reviewed by James M. BranumThis album is very different from their earlier work. While Starflyer's unique guitars are still there, the keyboards are now out front and dominant. The entire album, with the exception of the song "Too Much Fun," has a lighter feel to it. When I first tried to review this album, I didn't like it. Even though the style was nice for a song or two, I grew tired of it. Instead of an album of unique…7ball #21Reviewed by Dan MacIntoshWith The Fashion Focus, Jason Martin of Starflyer 59 has put his focus squarely upon sonic variety. While the preceding album, Americana, stuck primarily with various surf rock guitar influences, this new release builds upon the elements Starflyer experimented with previously, adding a healthy dose of synthesizer, more pronounced back-up vocals and a lot less guitar feedback clouding the mix.…HM Magazine #74Reviewed by Brian Vincent McGovernIt sure was weird hearing the keyboard strings from the start of the very first track, and the occasional Beach Boy vocal added to it. If walls of guitars are the reason you like this band, Jason Martin & Co. have a little surprise for you. Starflyer has always had a way of taking something otherwise mellow, and crunching it together with rock & roll to concoct their own brand of music. And…The Phantom Tollbooth 1998Reviewed by Josh SpencerIn college I'd always pop in a Starflyer 59 album whenever I wanted to fall asleep. Despite the sludge-heavy guitars, I'd be out cold halfway through. Don't get me wrong--I loved the band--but the same sleepy melodies in every song simply lullabied me into dreamland. How ironic, then, that their mellowest album to date has been the only one to keep me awake all the way through. I figured…Similar sounding releases
1997RadioheadOK Computer
2003Bill MalloneePerfumed Letter
1998Bon VoyageBon Voyage
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2002Can't Stop Eating
2005Talking Voice vs. Singing Voice
2000Easy Come, Easy Go
1999Everybody Makes Mistakes
1995Gold
2005The Last Laurel
