Starflyer 59 Talking Voice Vs. Singing Voice
Tooth and Nail Records TND64310 April 12th, 2005
By Jason Jordan
Have you ever heard Starflyer 59 before? If not, have you ever heard of them? Unfortunately, a great number of people would say nay to both proposed questions. Talking Voice Vs. Singing Voice is the bands ninth full-length, in addition to seven EPs, a few 7/ 12 vinyls, and a double-disc greatest hits album entitled Easy Come Easy Go. Yeah, they have quite a discography, but maybe their adoption of the satirical adage always change, never stay the same has hindered their climb to success. In either case, the groups most recent offering is a substantial piece of work.
Arguably, Starflyer 59 abandoned their shoegazer roots right after the release of 1997s Americana. Jason Martin (the only original member) and company have been hammering away at the generically labeled pop/rock genre ever since the latter. Talking Voice Vs. Singing Voice finds them in the same general niche as Old upbeat music with an 80s vibe that harnesses a bitter outlook towards the music business. An opener such as The Contest Completed is a solid introduction to the latest incarnation of the duo, because its reflective nature fits perfectly inside the steady beat and dreamy chorus. Perhaps more solemn is Easy Street with its lyrical musings, grief-stricken keyboards, and low-key vocals. The addition of strings to various opuses enhances the mood like you wouldnt believe. Good Sons is a tad more upbeat, whereas Night Life pulls the tempo back down. I like the loneliness manifested in A Good Living, and the inherent depression found within Softness, Goodness. Something Evil has a real standout quality about it, and is as infectious as past efforts such as Wake Up Early and I Drive a Lot. Talking Voice Vs. Singing Voice ends with The Longest Line, which is perhaps a brighter spot than the other locations traversed beforehand.
Im simply amazed that Starflyer 59 continue to release worthwhile outing after worthwhile outing; this particular team deserves much more recognition than they receive. Im dismayed, however, that the lyrics werent included and this too cant measure up to a few of their past discs, but overall Talking Voice Vs. Singing Voice is yet another strong addition to the bands massive catalog.
8.5/10
Official Starflyer 59 Website
Official Tooth and Nail Records Website
Tooth and Nail Records TND64310 April 12th, 2005
By Jason Jordan
Have you ever heard Starflyer 59 before? If not, have you ever heard of them? Unfortunately, a great number of people would say nay to both proposed questions. Talking Voice Vs. Singing Voice is the bands ninth full-length, in addition to seven EPs, a few 7/ 12 vinyls, and a double-disc greatest hits album entitled Easy Come Easy Go. Yeah, they have quite a discography, but maybe their adoption of the satirical adage always change, never stay the same has hindered their climb to success. In either case, the groups most recent offering is a substantial piece of work.
Arguably, Starflyer 59 abandoned their shoegazer roots right after the release of 1997s Americana. Jason Martin (the only original member) and company have been hammering away at the generically labeled pop/rock genre ever since the latter. Talking Voice Vs. Singing Voice finds them in the same general niche as Old upbeat music with an 80s vibe that harnesses a bitter outlook towards the music business. An opener such as The Contest Completed is a solid introduction to the latest incarnation of the duo, because its reflective nature fits perfectly inside the steady beat and dreamy chorus. Perhaps more solemn is Easy Street with its lyrical musings, grief-stricken keyboards, and low-key vocals. The addition of strings to various opuses enhances the mood like you wouldnt believe. Good Sons is a tad more upbeat, whereas Night Life pulls the tempo back down. I like the loneliness manifested in A Good Living, and the inherent depression found within Softness, Goodness. Something Evil has a real standout quality about it, and is as infectious as past efforts such as Wake Up Early and I Drive a Lot. Talking Voice Vs. Singing Voice ends with The Longest Line, which is perhaps a brighter spot than the other locations traversed beforehand.
Im simply amazed that Starflyer 59 continue to release worthwhile outing after worthwhile outing; this particular team deserves much more recognition than they receive. Im dismayed, however, that the lyrics werent included and this too cant measure up to a few of their past discs, but overall Talking Voice Vs. Singing Voice is yet another strong addition to the bands massive catalog.
8.5/10
Official Starflyer 59 Website
Official Tooth and Nail Records Website
