By my count, this is SF59's 10th full-length release, and not counting box-sets, wonderful EP's, and hard-to-find live albums...a dizzying career to say the least. Jason Martin (the band's only mainstay) has proven to be incredibly prolific, complex, and subtly diverse, as he has slowly directed his band from shoegazing splendor to crisp guitar-pop...all the while gaining new fans and cultivating a cult-like devotion from others who've obsessed with Martin for over a decade. The new 10-song record, My Island, features a new line-up (as most SF59 records do), and the cast is sure to please. Listing T. Many, J. Dooley, S. Dail, and T. Monks as co-conspirators in this affair, the outcome is SF59's most punchy and up-beat album to date.

With recording and production duties handled by Martin himself, its mix is even and the entire album is the most accessible batch of pop songs Martin has written, save maybe his Bon Voyage output. Only 2 tracks ever reach the 4 minute mark, indicating a concise and to-the-point version of SF59. But I, for one, am not disappointed. The drums are super-crisp (and dancy!), and Martin's guitar melodies and leads are drool-worthy as always. Vocals are dry and pushed forward, showcasing a confidence that continues to grow, and Martin's tenor leans toward gothica, although melodies are never compromised by mood. If you were excited about the direction Martin took the last few SF59 records, My Island might be a pinnacle moment for you, as he's at the top of his guitar-pop game.

To their credit, SF59 have finally delivered a 'singles' record, where the album works as a complete unit, but all these songs easily stand on their pop-laiden own. Highlights include (and are limited to!) "The Frontman", "Nice Guy", "I Win", "Division", "Mic The Mic", "It's Alright Blondie", "My Island", "Pearl Of Great Price", "Lifeguard", and "Ideas For The Talented". A must have!