Customer Reviews

Left Side of the Brain (Dig)

5 star:		(21)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Fiction Plane's third outing is an excellent snapshot offering a glimpse into the mind and soul of a struggling rock band in an unforgiving musical environment. The album is a jolting departure from the tortured serenity of Bitter Forces And Lame Race Horses, but not quite as hungry or vivacious as their debut Everything Will Never Be Okay. Unlike the majority of today's complacent rock artists, Fiction Plane is actively evolving, rather than resting comfortably in a self-imposed niche. Dropping down to a three-piece, the sobering atmosphere offered by former member Dan Brown is sparingly employed in the few songs written prior to his departure ("It's A Lie", "Drink", "Presuppose" and "Fake Light From The Sun"). This leaves ample room for the remaining troopers to tighten their sound, experiment with new sonic devices and create an album that reflects the members both as individuals and as a fierce artistic unit.

The album begins with an energetic rock track, "Anyone", that challenges the notion of traditional song structure; in that it doesn't end as much as it invites the listener in and almost too quickly ends without resolution. Joe Sumner's bass behavior taunts the listener by foreshadowing the song's chorus during the verse parts and follows the vocals during the actual chorus. Denying stereotypical closure allows the cynical anthem "Death Machine" to appropriately express itself; sneak up and slap you square in the face. Immediately, you get a sense that the band has musically progressed. Throughout the album, Seton Daunt's guitar versatility provides a wealth of sonic experiences. He ranges from extraterrestrial reverberations and guitar manipulations that wouldn't be out of place on a Yes, Porcupine Tree, Led Zeppelin or Dream Theater album to Edge-like rock guitar god prowess; all the while providing an energetic backdrop complementing Sumner's angst-laden croon-wails and Pete Wilhoit's dexterous, jazz-like percussive syncopation affectation.

It's true; it is decidedly difficult to nail down any one band with which to compare Fiction Plane as a point of reference. At times, they portray the heartrending ability of U2, and at others, they provoke the conventions of the archetypal alternative rock act. And in some instances, including the rousing "Death Machine" and near-belligerent "Presuppose", the band summons a bit of the pogo-instilling voracity of Red Hot Chili Peppers or Jane's Addiction. But it is through the somber `Everyman' outlook radiating from tracks like "Drink" and "Fake Light From The Sun" that I feel the true Fiction Plane emerges. These two songs, while ballad-like and slow-tempo, echo the sentiments of fear, isolation, rejection and guilt within us all. This is the charm of Fiction Plane; rather than being vapidly inconsistent, they continuously challenge the listener in a kaleidoscope of sound, not wholly unlike one of their longtime influences, Mr. Bungle. Ultimately, Left Side of the Brain is an album not to be taken at face value, for it is more than a collection of songs from yet-another-alt-rock-band. It is not 100% deadpan seriousness, nor is it completely tongue-in-cheek frivolity. It is an aural landscape riddled with multi-hued musical designs tempered by a lyrical illustration grounded in anxiety and possibility.

This is the perfect follow-up to both "Everything Will Never Be OK" and "Bitter Forces and Lame Race Horses". Each song has its own soul. I think that Joe Summner bares it all in the lyrics. Pete Wilhoit (drums) and Seton Daunt (guitar), in addition to Joe (bass), demonstrate their musical abilities to stand apart from most other groups out there today! Let's face it there is a serious lack of great rock music out there and Fiction Plane helps fill that void.

I am lucky enough to have friends who went out and found this CD for me b/c I enjoyed the "2 Sisters" song. I listened to the whole CD and I like the songs on the album MORE than the song they played on the radio. I especially like "It's a lie", "Cold Water Symmetry" and "Cross the line". This album is the first CD I've had in years b/c I have an iPod and use iTunes...even I have worn out the CD. It's everywhere- my iPod, my car, my cell phone as ringtones...I'm usually not like that! I've told everyone I know to buy this album and once I let them listen to my CD, they do. So let's get more people on board w/ Fiction Plane!

I really enjoyed "Everything Will Never Be OK" and this album is even better!! How this band isn't experiencing major mainstream success is beyond me. They are awesome and this album is excellent. "Two Sisters" is arguably the best track, but "Anyone" and "Cold Water Symmetry" stand out as well.
I'm a Sting fan and you can't deny that Joe sounds like his dad at times. That's not a bad thing, and looking a little like him doesn't hurt either.
If you don't have this album yet, you should really get it...it's good at first listen but gets better the more you play it.

This is a great CD. There are so many good songs on it, you won't be dissapointed. I can't wait to see them in concert again.

Just saw Fictionplane open for the Police in Cleveland. They were amazing!! Had no idea lead was Sting's son until just before the show. He shouldn't be judged on that fact though. He is a talent all his own. He totally rocked out on the bass and his voice has tremendous range and tone. The drummer is just as awesome. (Stuart Copeland was obviously a huge influence) Two Sisters was great live. As was "My Daddy's Money". After seeing them open I look forward to their very own tour soon. I'd recommend them to anyone looking for a great new sound.

Saw Fiction Plane in Denver, opening for The Police, and was completely impressed! Bought the CD; had no idea the lead singer was Sting's son. His music stands on its own merit -- good stuff! I can't wait to see what this group does next. I've been a Police/Sting fan for decades, but my teen sons prefer Fiction Plane. I can be happy with both! ;)

Awesome band, nice to have another alternative sound CD to my collection. They opened for The Police last week in Chicago, all together an awesome concert, I even got their autographs on my ticket stub after they performed! I hope they stick around for awhile!

I just caught them on Leno this week and got the CD---can't get enough of it. "Two Sisters", "Death Machine", and "It's a Lie" are my favorites (today---it could change tomorrow!) This band is going somewhere, and not just with The Police!

Having seen Fiction Plane open for Sting last summer in Holland, I was intrigued to hear their new sound minus Dan Brown. I was not disappointed. Left Side of the Brain has been getting a lot of air time on my iPod since it's release. In addition, I was fortunate to hear them several times in Vancouver during the Police Tour opener. Family connections may be the initial reason folks give them a listen but they'll win you as a fan based solely on talent.
Joe has moments of familiar Sting-like voice but he's his own musician, no doubt about it. Pete Wilhoit and Seton Daunt wail. These are three very talented young men. Lyrics are thought provoking and timely. 'Drink' is beautiful in its melancholy and War Machine sticks it to the politicians of certain countries.
If you're going to take in the Police tour this year, do yourself a favour and get there in time for Fiction Plane's opening set. Pick up Left Side of the Brain. You won't be disappointed.