Often side bands suck... there I said it. Usually it ends up being a horrible experimentation in swapping band members to play a style of music that the majority of the musicians rarely play (which would explain why their label decides not to pick the albums up). Other times it's an excuse to add one of their friends into the band, but they don't really want to tour with them; so they label it a 'side project'. There are very few cases where side bands can tear at your music loyalty between choosing between the two.

That said, Pony Express is a band that puts out a gorgeous sound that anyone would love. Although the main members are Starflyer 59 faithful, and there is a definite Starflyer feel, most of the disc there are songs the completely break out of that mold - from a blasting rock song (Headlights are the Answers), to a sugary sweet pop song (Puppy Hearts & Phone Calls).

Jeff Cloud (Starflyer 59, Joy Electric) does a wonderful job, leading us with an effect laden voice and a (usually) simple lazy guitar (Queens of Beruit). Jason Martin (Starflyer 59, Bon Voyage) on guitar, Frank Lenz (The Lassie Foundation, Charity Empressa) on drums and production, and Josh Dooley (Map) on guitar and bass also do wonderful jobs of creating an all-around pleasing atmosphere. However the most surprising aspect to this disc has to be the addition of Richard Swift on keyboard. 90% of keyboardists are pretty much fillers and don't really bring much to the table; not so with Mr. Swift. Even if the songs were all garbage (which they are most definitely not!), this CD could be a "how to" guide for keyboardists on how to implement their instrument without becoming obtuse.

Becoming What You Hate is a jewel of a disc which showcases the imagination and talent that can come from a side-project.

You can buy the album online from Velvet Blue Music

Track Listing
1.) Becoming What You Hate
2.) Queens of Beruit
3.) Debbie's Operating System
4.) Walking Tall
5.) Teenagers & Fire
6.) Headlights are the Answers
7.) Puppy Hearts & Phone Calls
8.) Long Island
9.) GPA
10.) Behind the Walls
11.) Sister Says

Mike Frost
www.buzzgrinder.com