power pop criminals

VIVA SATURN - SOUNDMIND (1992)

After the first 12" EP (1988) and tightened up to a four-piece, the unprolific Viva Saturn finally released its debut album several years later, sounding like a slightly more energized West Coast version of Luna with mild shoegazer tendencies (and, in the memorably dispirited "Haven't Felt Like," a dusty '60s piano-pop affect). Firm songwriting and crisp drumming holds "Soundmind" together, as Roback's dreamy singing (supported by such guests as Barbara Manning, Chris Cacavas and Matt Piucci) and the layers of languid guitar could easily float apart into shapeless reveries. A remarkably calm and pretty record that masks its aggression in a delicate mix, the perplexing "Soundmind" soothes as it sears. Trouser Press

Songs
Still She Waits / Love the Sugar / Believe / Haven't Felt Like / Soundmind / Suicidal Lamb / Raised / Better Get Your Nerve / Paradise / Mermaid / Waiting for the Train