Spy Glass Blue is an American post-punk/new wave/Britpop band formed by Allan Aguirre of Scaterd Few, credited for legitimizing and authenticating the post-punk genre in Christian alternative music (ACM) [dubious – discuss] much in the same way that Scaterd Few defined punk rock in Contemporary Christian music (CCM).[1] In the words of the Encyclopedia of Contemporary Christian Music, Spy Glass Blue is a "rare example of Christian goth music."[2] As Allan's solo effort shows Allan's artier ("mellower, artistic")[2][3] side where Scaterd Few showed his edgier side. Aguirre likens the band's presence to the restructuring of other Christian Alternative bands: Mortal to Fold Zandura or the Crucified to Stavesacre.[3]
Spy Glass Blue | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Dallas, Texas, United States |
| Genres | Post-punk, new wave |
| Years active | 1995–present |
| Labels | Accidental Sirens, Organic Records, Pinnacle Records, Flying Tart |
| Members | Allan Aguirre |
Background
editSpy Glass Blue was founded in 1995 and immediately released a self-titled vinyl EP. Their first album was released the next year, but because of record label issues did not achieve widespread distribution until 1997. Shadows contain a gothic rock musical style that swings between "light and airy", "dark, haunting, moody",[2] and psychedelic. Spy Glass Blue originally intended to have more of a pop based sound, like "Sade and Seal meets Peter Murphy,"[3] of the goth scene Aguirre comments "gothic is one tenth of what we do."[3]
According to one reviewer "Shadows plays mind games with the listener" with its music and deep lyrics.[4] Lyrically it hides its deep meanings in a way that is "sometimes hard to follow."[4] An example is in the song "Stygan", which hides the dangers of stumbling in faith in the words "apostolic apostasy".[4] The overall theme of the album is "the confusion of life without Christ."[2]
On Loud, as Feathers, the vocals lean more toward David Bowie than Peter Murphy.[5]
Band members
edit1996-97
- Drums: Kris Rosentrater
- Bass: River Tunnell
- Keyboards: Joshua Pyle (Audio Paradox)
- Guitar: Kane Kelly
2001
- Drums: Kris Rosentrater
- Bass: River Tunnell
- Guitar: Kane Kelly
2003
- Drums: Jason Perez
- Bass: Danny
- Bass: Brian May
- Guitar: Sergio
- Guitar: Stephen Bellinski
Discography
edit- Spy Glass Blue (1995)
- Shadows (1996)
- Loud As Feathers (2001)
- The Blue EP (2003)
Additionally, a track was recorded for a second installment of the Terry Scott Taylor tribute disc When Worlds Collide: A Tribute to Daniel Amos. The disc was never released, but Aguirres’ “When Worlds Collide” is available for download.
References
edit- ^ (The) Kern County Kid (January–February 2002). "Massivivid". HM Magazine (93): 14.
Accidental Sirens label honcho, the legendary "Godfather of ACM," Allan Aguirre...
- ^ a b c d Powell, Mark Allan (2002). "Spy Glass Blue". Encyclopedia of Contemporary Christian Music (First printing ed.). Peabody, Massachusetts: Hendrickson Publishers. p. 859. ISBN 1-56563-679-1.
- ^ a b c d Bonham, Chad (November–December 1997). "bankshots: Spy Glass Blue". 7ball (15): 47. ISSN 1082-3980.
- ^ a b c Boggs, Nadine (September–October 1997). "Tools / Music / Shadows". Youthworker. XVI (1): 64. ISSN 0747-3486.
- ^ Hill, Don (2002). "Music Reviews / Loud As Feathers". Cornerstone. 31 (123): 48. ISSN 0275-2743.
External links
edit- Official Web Site
- Spy Glass Blue @ Purevolume
- Accidental Sirens
- Discography - Includes samples and some full song downloads
- Allan Aguirres' Professional Blog
- Allan Aguirres' Personal Blog - Silver Plated Boy
- Allan Aguirre @ MySpace