June 9, 2006 - It seems as of late the cd’s that are making their way into my iPod are not from the band down the street but from the gentleman across the pond. Today’s example, People in Planes, these Welsh rockers with their layered vocals and instrumental riffs do something that not every musician can say they do, they keep your attention for the duration of their album.

People In Planes

With hints of classic rock marinating in every note People In Planes add their own twist of modern progressive rock to gritty classic rock and mix
together to form what I feel to be one of the best produced albums of the year.

Starting off with an electronic keyboard intro, Narcoleptic is a vacillating ride of emotion that sets the tone of the entire album. Fire is by far the most classic sounding of all of the ballads on the album with hints of Pink Floyd practically dripping from its keyboard. They continue on in this same laid back vain until you reach the song Black Widow which harmoniously brings together the screeching guitar riffs reminiscent of the 80’s hair bands with the punk rock attitude of the Sublime era.

Falling by the Wayside is an acoustic ballad with a space cadet feel and its lyrics portray a feeling of desolation that any emo kid can relate to. Skipping ahead a few tracks we find the most recognizable and radio friendly song on the album If You Talk Too Much (My Head Will Explode). This song has been hitting the airwaves all over the world and has been by far the most popular on the entire album. It’s catchy, clever and dripping with repetitive pessimistic rhymes, perfect for any top 40 radio stations play list.

While I revel in what I feel is the best album I’ve heard
all year, I must admit that there is only one downside to this album, lyrically it tends to lean a bit towards the sophomoric with lines such as “I'm a machine, but I'm
a funny colour, I'm a funny colour.” Not really sure who thought that one up but it wasn’t the shining moment on the album. There are more but frankly I don’t want to sit here and spell them all out for you. Their stab at depth falls somewhat short but the captivating melody and gritty vocals more than make up for a lack of Shakespearian similitude.

Overall this album was outstanding, more so than
most because of the passionate delivery and constant interweaving of emotion and sound.

People in Planes is:
Gareth Jones - Vocals
Peter Roberts - Guitar
Kris Blight - Bass
John Maloney - Drums
Ian Russell - Keyboard

People In Planes is from Cardiff, Wales. For more band information visit the official People In Planes website.

To Sample music visit the People In Planes myspace page.

CD Review by Melissa Deskovic - © 2006 - Florida Entertainment Scene - All Rights Reserved.