Search - Starflyer 59 :: Americana

Trance-Like Trip into the World of Starflyer 59

12/25/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Upon my first listen of "Americana," I was immediately drawn in to the rapidly-enveloping sonic cocoon that is Starflyer 59. Starting with the album's first track, the classic rock-tinged "Voyager," the listener is immediately bombarded with an unrelenting, bass-heavy wall of heavily distorted rhythm guitar and distant, droning leads. Jason Martin's vocals seem almost whispered above the song's melodic onslaught. Other standout tracks like "Hearttaker" and the slower numbers "So You Think You're Radical" and "Help Me When You're Gone" continue in the same formula, using well-distributed dosages of reverb, slide guitar, and brush drums on the slower songs. Listening to the entire album in one sitting leaves the listener in a bizarre, yet eerily comfortable trance-like state, craving more. Even more anomalous perhaps is the fact that Starflyer have managed to create a completely unique sound in the often redundant world of rock music; simply put, there is nothing like them out there today. If you're looking for one more processed trend, you won't find it here, but if you're looking for the epitome of loud, melodic rock, then "Americana" is the album you've been looking for."

Yes this is good

The Specialist | Dallas, Tx | 03/09/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Starflyer continues it guitar feedback sound on "Americana" but in a more harmonic way. The songs are all great and they flow well into each other which shows that you should listen to this album all at once. Starflyer which has always been masterminded by Jason Martin has always had a knack for crafting great pop songs but there the type you want hear on top 40 radio. Thank goodness for "Americana" as it signals the last real distortion guitar sound on that was so prevelant on early releases "Silver" and "Gold". So you should buy "Americana" and enjoy the space song sound that is Starflyer 59."

A new spin on rock

Jon Kortebein | Minneapolis, MN USA | 08/11/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I doubt many Starflyer 59 fans are ready for the sound Jason Martin and company have waiting for them on "Americana". While "shoegazer" seems like the word that best describes the sound of SF 59's previous records, "Americana" is nothing more or less than hard rock plucked from the 70's mingled with pop from the 50's. That may not sound very cool, but it definitely is for two big reasons. Martin has a knack for writing good songs with strong melodies, and his distinctive voice and fearless vocal style offer a unique counterpoint to the music. Plus, Martin surrounds himself with steady veteran players, particularly drummer Everett, who possesses a perfect laid-back style, and producer Eugene, who plays keyboards.One could consider "Americana" a tribute album since it mines familiar territory in American popular music, but it's tribute in a good way because of Martin's vision and the group's execution."