Reviewed by Jonathan Langley

Like 1994's 'Silver' reissue, this repackage of the band's 1995 album features remastered sound and bonus tracks. The additional material on here are tracks from the "Goodbyes Are Sad" single and the 'Le Vainqueur' EP. Completists will no doubt swoon over this collector's item but anyone looking for some fresh, less formulaic rock invention may want to investigate. The Encyclopedia Of Contemporary Christian Music by Mark Allan Powell reckoned Starflyer 59 to be "one of the most original, creative and accomplished groups to be making music in either the Christian or general markets through (the '90s)" which is clearly OTT hyperbole but the band with their wall of sound guitars and gentle vocals over the drone of the music does have its own appeal. Laden with contradictions like being loud but soft, upbeat yet melancholy, old-school yet more cutting edge than most current acts, this music is never going to get any but the most rock elitist parties started, but the more you listen, the more you find to love.

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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