Obviously, I've been away too long, as this is the first of Jason Martin's nearly dozen releases I've heard—and it's a good 'un! More psych pop in the style of Psychedelic Furs, Outrageous Cherry and Asteroid #4 highlights the latest from the ugliest band on the planet, who just happen to make some of its loveliest sounds. The wall-to-wall production of expansive, hook-laden melodies on tracks like "Passengers," the hard rocking "Major Awards" and the pulsating, driving beat of "The Lights On" combine Dandy Warhols' pop sensibilities with Guy Chadwick's magnificent ear for memorable melodies on his House of Love releases. In fact, if you think of Starflyer 59 as an American version of House of Love (particularly their glorious self-titled albums), you'd be in the right church AND the right pew, although I must admit I heard the guitar riff from an old Luna song ("Slash," I believe) running through "New Wife, New Life."
The stale taste from the few disappointing tracks at the end (the title track and the closer, "First Heart Attack" are snoozers that you'll never play again) are quickly overshadowed by the melodic guitar solo that snakes through "Unbelievers," which rivals Neil Young, Jeff Kelly and Mark Kozelek in its melodic simplicity.
Overall, the unforgettable, eminently hummable tunes, full stereophonic, Spectorish production and Martin's sleepy, breathy, emotional vocals combine for one of the year's finest releases.
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