The Planes are a four piece indie rock band from Portsmouth, on the south coast of England. Comprising of Mike Smith (Lead Vocals, Rhythm Guitar), Sam Wardle (Lead Guitar), Chris Smith (Bass, Backing Vocals) and Ollie Shaw (Drums). The band have been gigging themselves senseless since February 2011, and have reached the finals of The Wedgewood Rooms Showcase, as well as playing the Southsea Fest.
When we saw The Planes playing live at the Boiler Room Guildford last year we thought that they sounded haughty and trashy. We enjoyed their show. It was a snarling, bumpy ride . We thought that The Planes reminded us of The Small Faces crossed with The Libertines.
But now they have released their polished ‘On Demand’ EP and we think that their sound has developed into a more sophisticated style. Less shabby. Less strutting.
Opening track ‘See You Next Tuesday’ (hopefully you know what this alludes to) rattles along like any good jangler should. Tacky guitars flap rapidly in the windy percussive gusts. The voice is captivating enough – even flirtatious – but the words betray a bitter sense of resentment. It is not until the glacial guitar unashamedly slips in at the end, you begin to understand that this is a rabidly sarcastic attack on someone’s good nature.
‘Lose It’ is fast and chromatic. It has a bumping bass that burps along peacefully below the surface. The melody glows. It brings a cheerful smile to your mug. Not quite as punkish as ‘See You Next Tuesday’ (that sounded like something from the Buzzcocks ) this song sparkles and bubbles at every given opportunity. It has a sugary sweet smile. And glistens like a freshly kissed cheek.
Title track ‘On Demand’ is slightly more funky. It still has that bright voice that reminds us of Luke Pritchard (from The Kooks) and it also shares in the Kook family trait- catchiness. This is a lightly drafted piece. Undemanding -yet on demand.
‘Stay the Weekend’ has a glorious fruitfulness to it. Nylonish, the guitar chords stretch painfully back to reveal vocals that are smeared with rich, soft hues. Climaxes come and go. It’s all very noble and silver-frosted.
Check the The Planes- ‘On Demand’ here:
http://youtu.be/Wynbjg2kS7Y
-© Neil_Mach January 2013 –
Link:
http://www.facebook.com/PlanesBand
RAW RAMP 