Sciflyer Fair Weather Karma CD

Sciflyer may have found a residence with reputable dream pop label Clairecords, but don't expect to hear improved production on Fair Weather Karma. Each murmuring track was recorded on the band's own vintage eight-track, though Sciflyer did get some production help from Scott Solter (the Stratford 4, the Court and Spark). The result is more fuzzed-out shoegazing that recalls the style's early artists. "Burn & Sell," a wave of swirling guitar and rumbling drums, could have been a lo-fi outtake from Swervedriver's Raise (a direct influence on the band). The 11-minute "Burning Down the House" is a slow-rolling haze that is more concerned with repetition and minimalism than anything else. The vocals are buried well below the surface as usual, so you won't have much luck locating any lyrics without reading them from the sleeve. Everything here is blended together for a methodical, dreamy mist. It'd be interesting to see if Sciflyer ever goes with something crisper and cleaner. For now, listeners can rest assured that Swervedriver's Adam Franklin approves of this dedicated follower. ~ Kenyon Hopkin

Personnel: Steve Kennedy (guitar); Kim Kennedy (bass instrument); Roger Chandler (drums).