How do you follow up a smash hit debut album that follows the break up of a band? What do you do when you're obligated to write, play, mix, and produce music when your heart really isn't into it?

Jason Martin found himself in this situation with his second full-length Starflyer 59 album, Gold. In many ways, this record is a work of art. The intense emotion bleeding through each of the songs flows out from the speakers. I think this album would get higher reviews if Martin would have had help producing and mixing, for this is the only weakness of Gold.

If you're ever in a melancholy mood and want to find solace on your couch with a tub of ice cream and a book, put Gold into your player for the perfect "Woe is me" soundtrack.

Review date: 11/15/05, written by Matthew Burr for Jesusfreakhideout.com