This is an open forum for staff members, contributers, and fans alike to submit their reviews on the latest music releases and concerts. In an industry that is drowning with overprocessed, grossly overrated, unoriginal crap these days, this is our chance to allow the real stars to shine, if only on our humble, little stage; and expose you to some of our favorite talents.
Reviews are given 1 - 5 stars.
On Saturday, March 29, I experienced Welsh rockers, People in Planes tearing up the old House of Blues, which has become Tommy Doyle’s in Harvard Square. The band is comprised of Gareth Jones–vocals, Peter Roberts–guitar, Kris Blight–bass, John Maloney–drums, and Ian Russell–keyboard. Their first album “As Far As the Eye Can See” was released in 2006 and their upcoming “Beyond the Horizon” will be released this summer in the U.S. They also have an EP available in the States.
People in Planes was greeted with a relatively small, but loyal crowd. They were sandwiched between two sets: Boston’s own This Blue Heaven (drawing in the hometown love) and Jupiter One. The guys still managed to get people jumping around with the people who were “too cool to jump around” bobbing their heads enthusiastically (not so enthusiastically that they were no longer considered “cool,” of course). One older gentleman, in particular, was enjoying the People in Planes set so much that he was twisting. Yes, twisting, as in doing the twist. On their slower songs he’d twist in a loitering fashion and then on the faster songs (“Moth” for instance), he’d twist in a crazed fervor. I normally try not to mention other people in the crowd, since they don’t have much to do with the band being reviewed, but this guy was unavoidable. The guys even gave him a shout out since he was right in front of the stage.
Back to the show, the set was a nice mix of slow and emotional songs like their latest single “Pretty Buildings” and faster tracks like “Moth” and “Barracuda,” all of which you can hear on their website. Bass player Kris Blight was excellent, tearing into each and every song and keeping the head bobbers bobbing. Jones’ voice conjured up the exact emotions we were supposed to feel for each song, and I’m a sucker for some good keyboard action ala Russel on “Moth.” Can you tell that “Moth” is my favorite? Maloney and Roberts pulled the group together radiantly. That’s right, radiantly.
People in Planes is absolutely a recommended listen. Check out their upcoming shows for a guaranteed great night, though I can’t promise you’ll get the vintage 60’s dance moves that we got at the Cambridge show. You can also check out their video for “Pretty Buildings” (which is pretty fantastic as well) on People in Planes site.
##
People in Planes WebsitePeople in Planes on MySpace
Reviewed by: Sally Feller | April 2008
