STARLIGHT MINTS
Built On Squares (Pias)
Reviewed by John Sekerka

---

Quite a bit of fun, this. Starlight Mints struggle under the ominous shadow of crosstown rivals Flaming Lips, but besides sharing a flare for adventurous music, the comparison ceases. There is much frivolity going on here. Rollicking pianos, forlorn tubas, happy cellos, vivacious vibraphones - you name it. And right in the middle of it all is Allan Vest, who sounds like a Frank Black and Gordon Gano Twizzler, without just the right amount of nervous energy. Sounds like a recipe for a dishevelled mess, yet this is one tight pop record. Kudos.

© 2003 - John Sekerka