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 band’s ninth full-length, in addition to seven EP’s, 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 group’s most recent offering is a substantial piece of work.
Arguably,
Starflyer 59 abandoned their shoegazer roots right after the release of 1997’s
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 ‘80’s 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 wouldn’t 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.
I’m simply amazed that
Starflyer 59 continue to release worthwhile outing after worthwhile outing; this particular team deserves much more recognition than they receive. I’m dismayed, however, that the lyrics weren’t included and this too can’t measure up to a few of their past discs, but overall
Talking Voice Vs. Singing Voice is yet
another strong addition to the band’s massive catalog.
8.5/10
Official Starflyer 59 Website
Official Tooth and Nail Records Website
