I’ve been a fan of Starflyer 59 for a very long time. I would have to say they are probably in my top 10 all time favourite bands. Jason Martin has been putting out SF59 albums around 14 years now. That’s quite a long time for a band that has never received the recognition that he deserves. So here’s my chance to get the word out. If you’ve missed these guys, here’s your chance.

Dial M , which is the 11th SF59 album, features Jason’s trademark sound, although it has matured some (as any band around that long should). I certainly wouldn’t say it sounds like all his other music, but it does have that similar mournful, atmospheric, emotional sound. It’s always been difficult for me to label SF59’s sound. And trying to compare them to any other band falls short. Well, here I go…

You can say they sound a little bit like the Smiths, but SF59 is more modern. A little shoe-gazer, but with an 80’s vibe underneath. It’s a little ethereal and moody. It’s indie. And it’s deeply emotional. About the only label that really describes them even remotely is the blanket “alternative“.

Describing the album, Jason Martin, explains, “I always wanted to do a record of solo tracks and call it ‘Dial M for Martin.’ But because this is such a candid record for me I decided to lend that idea as the title for this. I dealt with some very difficult tests when I was working on this…the loss of someone very close to me. This record deals with that loss.”

Continuing, “My dad passed away last year, so this record for me is a bit more personal than my records usually are… Not that I have so much to say, but I really wanted to write some songs that had some meaning to me, and in a small way to honor my old man, who I really miss.”

The album kicks of with Minor Keys which makes a brief reference to Smiths’ guitarist Johnny Marr. And has one of my favourite lyrics, “For once, or maybe twice, I was in my prime…the best are made from these. That’s what I say to put my mind at ease. The saddest songs are wrote in minor keys. Like Johnny Marr I want my please please please.” Another track, the haunting I Love You Like The Little Bird