Fiction Plane Albums (2)
'Left Side of the Brain'
Release Date 1/1/2007
Tracks 11
Label XIII Bis
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
Four years and one failed major-label deal after their debut, Fiction Plane finally return with their second album. While Everything Will Never Be OK was something of a stiff upon its release, the subsequent success of mope-rockers like Snow Patrol and the return of singer/songwriter Joe Sumner's obvious heroes Smashing Pumpkins to active duty means that Left Side of the Brain is being released into a much more amenable musical moment. (And if nothing else, opening for the giant reunion tour of Dad's band the Police in the summer of 2007 can't hurt.) The only question is whether Sumner is ready for the spotlight, and the answer is: maybe, but it would be nice if he found a good lyricist first. Songs like the bouncy first single "Two Sisters" (not the Kinks favorite) and the epic, U2-influenced "Anyone" are potential radio hits and Paul Corkett's glossy but small scale production is a better fit than the anonymous big rock sound David Kahne brought to the debut. But on seemingly every song, Sumner lets loose with a clunker of a lyric that's especially noticeable given how high and centered his voice is in the mix. (And the answer is yeah, he kinda does sound like his Dad.) The worst by a landslide is the no doubt earnest but somewhat insufficient chorus to the protest song "Death Machine": "F*** you and your death machine/I ain't gonna fight no more." All righty then. Clearly, the ability to ignore the lyrics in favor of the songs' anodyne tunefulness is a big help. Fiction Plane will never come close to being the Police, U2 or even Smashing Pumpkins, but there is every possibility that they could possibly become the next Travis. ~ Stewart Mason, All Music Guide
'Everything Will Never Be OK'
Release Date 3/11/2003
Tracks 12
Label MCA
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
The official Fiction Plane bio that MCA's publicity department sent to the media with Everything Will Never Be OK doesn't mention the fact that Joe Sumner, the London-based outfit's lead singer, is the adult son of former Police vocalist Sting -- obviously, MCA isn't trying to exploit the Sting connection or market Sumner as "Junior Sting." Not that the information isn't a matter of public record; in England, publications have been quick to point out that Sting is Sumner's father. But anyone who expects Sumner to emulate his dad is bound to be disappointed; he doesn't try to sing like "Junior Sting," and Fiction Plane is far from a Police tribute band. Truth be told, Fiction Plane's sound is closer to Bono and U2. Sumner's vocals have a somewhat Bono-ish quality, and Fiction Plane have obviously been influenced by U2's melodies. But Sumner and his colleagues aren't going out of their way to emulate U2, the Police or anyone else. While U2 is a strong melodic influence, Fiction Plane's lyrics are a lot more cynical. U2 have always had a certain idealism -- intellectually, Bono no doubt realizes that he isn't going to save the world, but damned if he isn't going to try. Ultimately, U2 is an optimistic band even though they have their share of dark songs; no one will accuse "Sunday Bloody Sunday" of being an exercise in feel-good escapism. Fiction Plane, however, bring a much more melancholy, world-weary outlook to their alternative pop/rock material. They also bring a strong sense of craftsmanship to the table; produced by David Kahne, this is an impressively consistent and promising effort. Yes, Fiction Plane is led by the son of a superstar, but Everything Will Never Be OK demonstrates that Sumner is an impressive pop/rock craftsman in his own right. [The CD was also released with a bonus track.] ~ Alex Henderson, All Music Guide
