Starflyer 59 - My Island

Mic The Mic mp3

How many albums can sf59 put out? How many more times can sf59 refresh their sound and stay relevant and interesting? There's no end in site for frontman Jason Martin. After more than 20 releases, Sf59 has retained a loyal following because of the band's uncanny ability maintain a fresh sound while vowing to never put out the same record twice.

Of the previous sf59 releases, "Old" is the most similar in pace to this new record My Island. This album was hyped as the most upbeat sf59 record to date, with more BPMs (beats per minute) than any other sf59 record. It's true - the pace of My Island is like greased lightning and is not hindered by a slow jam. That's right - no slow jams on this island.

The bass lines are more noticeable than on any other sf59 release. This is the first time I've noticed the bass player's contribution on a sf59 record. You'll notice it particularly on "Pearl of Great Price".

The percussion attacks are ferociously kicking and smacking with authority like never before, as evidenced during the intro of the title track "My Island".
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Jason's vocals are noticeably gothic-sounding, taking you back to Joy Division, The Cure, Depeche Mode, and Echo & the Bunnymen. The vocals are heavy and dark, with the same breathy delivery that we've come to love from Martin. Track 7 "Division" is easily the darkest example of this.

The stand-out tracks on this record are "Lifeguard", "Pearl of Great Price", "Mic The Mic", and the closer "Ideas For The Talented" . The album opens with "The Frontman" which is a pretty good tune, but not one of sf59's best album openers. I can say with certainty that "Ideas" is one of my favorite sf59 closers.

Though not their best effort, this is the only sf59 record that doesn't have a "dud". Every song is strong. Talking Voice vs. Singing Voice (2005) is still my favorite sf59 record.