Reviewed by Jonathan Langley

Starflyer 59 is a band that I have always wanted to enjoy more than I actually have. Stalwarts of the Tooth & Nail catalogue from the label's period of struggling underground cool in the '90, Starflyer 59 has always been a quirky, acquired taste (band leader, Jason Martin, is the brother of Joy Electric's Ronnie Martin, so it must run in the family). Starflyer's style of music has been defined as shoegazer, a style that's heavy on "wall of sound" fuzzbox guitar, light on lead, with a dirty, muddy sound including hushed, gentle vocals over the drone of the music. It's a sound that will have many fans of commercial rock crying out for a word with the producer and part of what has made Starflyer a cult band. 'Silver' is a re-release of the first Starflyer album originally issued in 1994. It was really a self-titled album but was dubbed 'Silver' by fans because of its sleeve and features remastered sound and bonus tracks. The album has been re-issued with all the tracks from the EP 'She's The Queen' (almost as long as 'Silver'). The end product is a must for completists and collectors, but also for anyone longing for a break from the ultra-produced sound and single-driven focus of many of today's Christian rock outfits.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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