The second track didn't make me drop my jaw again, but it was still very impressive. Then things got a bit more normal, with tracks three and four using a more typical Starflyer sound, however, the songcraft was heads above any of the previous stuff. However, as the cd progressed I could tell that the old Starflyer sound was more of a side note than the norm.

Track 7, "Old," has an introduction which brings to mind the movie "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory". It's just two notes repeating, but it feels like the part when Willy Wonka brings Charlie and the other kids into the big room with the chocolate river and Willy Wonka starts to sing, "Come with me, and we'll see, a world full of pure imagination." (That is a rough idea of the lyrics, I can't remember specifically how it goes.) It's amazing what two repeated notes can bring to the imagination.

From there the cd continues as before. The new sound mixed with a bit of the old. Just when you think a song is starting to get a bit old, they'll throw in a harmonica for a solo, or do something funky with the guitar lead. You can't even catch everything the first time around. Multiple listens unveil new things never noticed before.

The only disapointing thing about this cd is that Tooth and Nail released it. While I personally don't have anything against the label, they aren't known for really pushing bands into the mainstream. So it is unlikely that anyone beyond the few rabid fans and indie snobs will ever listen to this. If there was a good strong label behind this effort I could see this cd blowing the world away. Even those unfamiliar with past Staflyer efforts.

This cd has actually made me excited about music again. Almost the way Wilco's "Yankee Hotel Foxtrot" did for me almost a year ago. Go pick it up and give it a try.

peace.