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TacoDave (3484 KP) rated Miami EP by Starflyer 59 in Music
Jun 23, 2020
songwriting (2 more)
mood
guitar solos
Another great Starflyer release
The "Miami EP" is a pretty clear follow-up to last year's release, "Young In My Head," which I awarded 10 bombs. In fact, two of the five tracks on this release are either spiritual twins or direct successors to tracks from YIMH.
But that's not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, while I was listening to the final track "Bored" for the first time and I was able to sing along with it, it slowly dawned on me that it was a continuation of the song "Cry" from YIMH, which was cool. I hadn't expected it. It isn't the same song at all, but it has some of the same tune and lyrics in a new form.
The other three tracks on the EP are new and fresh and have a killer surf-rock/shoegazer/British rock vibe. Starflyer 59 has evolved and changed so much in the past 27 years, but their songs are distinctly "Starflyer" which is no mean feat.
This is another great release that is well worth a listen.
But that's not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, while I was listening to the final track "Bored" for the first time and I was able to sing along with it, it slowly dawned on me that it was a continuation of the song "Cry" from YIMH, which was cool. I hadn't expected it. It isn't the same song at all, but it has some of the same tune and lyrics in a new form.
The other three tracks on the EP are new and fresh and have a killer surf-rock/shoegazer/British rock vibe. Starflyer 59 has evolved and changed so much in the past 27 years, but their songs are distinctly "Starflyer" which is no mean feat.
This is another great release that is well worth a listen.
TacoDave (3484 KP) rated Young In My Head by Starflyer 59 in Music
May 9, 2019 (Updated May 9, 2019)
songs (3 more)
instruments
vocals
vibe
15 Albums In and Starflyer 59 Still Rocks
If you've never heard of Starflyer 59, I have a treat for you.
What began as a "shoegazer" band in the mid 90's (think Smashing Pumpkins meets The Smiths) has progressed over the years through heavy, chunky guitars, to Brit-pop mixed with synth, to this new album which just ... rocks. With the release of the band's 15th full album (not to mention many EPs and collections), band lead Jason Martin has shown that he's still got it. "Young In My Head" is soothing, catchy rock that is perfect driving music.
I'll attach a Youtube link so you can hear the title song from the album.
The songs themselves are catchy in a way that makes you sing along without realizing it. The lyrics are surprisingly melancholy, dealing with growing older and realizing that you aren't the energetic kid you were when you started ("It's been 25/since I wrote/Blue Collar Love/Man, I had my turn/I need to go/Stayed longer than most"). But the music still has an upbeat groove to it that keeps it from feeling depressing. Martin walks that line between melancholy and depression like an expert.
My only complaint isn't really a complaint: Starflyer has some of the best guitar solos to end songs, and this album is no different, but they feel truncated - like they cut out too early. I would love longer outros like they used on older albums. Listen to the song "Cry," for a good example - the end of the song is amazing, beginning at 2:00, but it doesn't last long enough.
In the past 25 years Starflyer 59 has not released a bad album. Each album has a different sound and groove to it, but they are all undeniably Starflyer. I, for one, will continue to listen to their albums and hope they go another 25 years.
What began as a "shoegazer" band in the mid 90's (think Smashing Pumpkins meets The Smiths) has progressed over the years through heavy, chunky guitars, to Brit-pop mixed with synth, to this new album which just ... rocks. With the release of the band's 15th full album (not to mention many EPs and collections), band lead Jason Martin has shown that he's still got it. "Young In My Head" is soothing, catchy rock that is perfect driving music.
I'll attach a Youtube link so you can hear the title song from the album.
The songs themselves are catchy in a way that makes you sing along without realizing it. The lyrics are surprisingly melancholy, dealing with growing older and realizing that you aren't the energetic kid you were when you started ("It's been 25/since I wrote/Blue Collar Love/Man, I had my turn/I need to go/Stayed longer than most"). But the music still has an upbeat groove to it that keeps it from feeling depressing. Martin walks that line between melancholy and depression like an expert.
My only complaint isn't really a complaint: Starflyer has some of the best guitar solos to end songs, and this album is no different, but they feel truncated - like they cut out too early. I would love longer outros like they used on older albums. Listen to the song "Cry," for a good example - the end of the song is amazing, beginning at 2:00, but it doesn't last long enough.
In the past 25 years Starflyer 59 has not released a bad album. Each album has a different sound and groove to it, but they are all undeniably Starflyer. I, for one, will continue to listen to their albums and hope they go another 25 years.