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6 out of 10
Opener "Last Man Standing" immediately brings to mind the antipodeans Powder Finger, to which front man Gareth Jones's vocals bear more than a passing resemblance. That along with other contemporaries and talking points; Pearl Jam, Our Lady Peace and even falling on the right side of Nickelback (which side that is I shall leave up to you). People in Planes are not afraid to wear their influences on their sleeves and it is this unabashed love for alternative rock that has led them to a well garnered success in the old You Ess of Ay. Joaquin Phoenix no less has directed their latest video for the title track of this EP. However this American success seems to be leaving PiP forgetting their homeland and the fans residing there as this video can only be viewed by the American folk, perhaps a sign that since take off, the airborne rock purveyors have discovered a rather thick patch of clouds to stick their heads into.
Then again when their music is so heavily borrowed from that of their American counterparts perhaps Stateside is the best place to sell their middle of the road, occasionally heartfelt rumblings. A bone of contention does lie however with the lyrics of Peter Roberts as his poesy appears daft as a brush at times. "Don't Scuba with a barracuda" and "Baked like a bun" come instantly to mind. Hardly lyrics that; "eloquently explore the realms of emotions, relationships and human existence here in the modern age" as so claimed by the band's Myspace page but alas, we live in an age of 'dumbing' down where anything intelligently outspoken, introspective, existential or even poetic is viewed as narcissistic and pretentious.
People in Planes must however, be doing something right and if borrowing from dullards and washing it down with a hint of uplifting melody sits right in America, then they are heading to the right place. That is shortly after a stint around the UK in both headlining roles and supporting Funeral for a Friend.
Listen: www.myspace.com/peopleinplanes
Tracklist:
1. Last Man Standing
2. Barracuda
3. Baked
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