People in Planes

Last updated

People in Planes
Origin Porthcawl, Wales
Genres
Years active1998–2013
Labels Wind-up Records
MembersGareth Jones
Pete Roberts
Ian Russell
Kris Blight
John Maloney

People in Planes were a Welsh alternative rock band from Porthcawl, active from 1998 to 2013. They were signed to Wind-up Records. Prior to 2003, they were known as Tetra Splendour (during which time they moved to Cardiff), and before that, they went by the name of Robots in the Sky. Their final name was derived from the band's obsession with air travel, which is also present in their song titles and lyrics.[ citation needed ]

Contents

History

Robots in the Sky: 1998–2000

The band began as a four-piece under the name Robots in the Sky. They received assistance under the Community Music Wales scheme (the same organization behind Complete Control Music and the annual Compass Point Festival in Cardiff), and in 2000 they released their début, a red 7" vinyl with two tracks - "E.T.A." and "Muriel's Motorhome". [1] Only 500 copies of the record were made (incidentally, it was also the first ever release on the Complete Control Music label).

This attracted the attention of EMI/Chrysalis' brand new sub-label, Wishakismo, and the band were offered a deal. Fearing legal repercussions from other bands with similar names (most notably Robots in Disguise), the first name-change was implemented and Robots in the Sky became Tetra Splendour (the English translation of a Spanish jazz quartet, Quatro Esplendido).

Tetra Splendour: 2000–2005

After signing to Wishakismo, the band headed into Cardiff's Audio Zone recording studio to commence recording of their début album, Splendid Animation. In their brief time as Tetra Splendour, the then-four-piece toured with bands such as Fun Lovin' Criminals, Biffy Clyro and Miss Black America (band), among others, and played the famous Reading Festival in 2002.

On 9 April 2001, the band released their first single as Tetra Splendour - "Mr. Bishi" (on CD and on 7" vinyl, of which only 500 copies were made). It was met with positive reviews (and was, incidentally, the first Wishakismo release). On 1 October 2001, the band released their second single, "De-Rail" (on CD and 7" white vinyl). As the release of the album neared, the band were promoted from Wishakismo to the main roster of EMI/Chrysalis. On this label they released their final single, "Pollenfever", on 25 February 2002—it would be the only Tetra Splendour release to be backed up by a video (which received limited airplay) and a dedicated headline tour.

On 20 May 2002, the band's début album, Splendid Animation, was released. [1]

The album received mixed reviews from the rock press, and many disagreements arose—mainly over Radiohead comparisons and whether or not their "meandering jazzy nonsense" was a good thing. However, the general consensus was that the band had potential, and EMI/Chrysalis allowed them to return to the studio.

While recording new material, EMI was the subject of a management change, which led to the subsequent releases of many bands from their old contracts, including Tetra Splendour.

People in Planes and As Far as the Eye Can See: 2005–2008

After being dropped by EMI, the band recorded a new album at Wales' Monnow Valley Studio, containing new songs (with newly hired keyboard player Ian Russell) and unreleased Tetra Splendour material.

In 2005, they released their first single under the name People in Planes, "Talking Heads" (another limited release, being made in a batch of 1,000). The single featured two unreleased Tetra Splendour tracks as B-sides (and being accompanied by a music video, which again received limited airplay). "Talking Heads", which has since been renamed to "If You Talk Too Much (My Head Will Explode)", a line from the song's chorus (a decision Wind-Up made to make the songs more recognizable on the radio), has since had a new video made, shot in an airport, that was directed by actor Joaquin Phoenix. It is also scheduled for re-release as a single.

At the 2005 South by Southwest festival in Austin, Texas, the band met Jeff Klein, with whom they would later tour in June 2005. Shortly after their South By Southwest appearance they were approached by Wind Up Records and in May, the band signed a deal with them.

Their debut album, As Far as the Eye Can See (which has been the speculative title from as early as 2003), was released on March 28, 2006. The single "If You Talk Too Much (My Head Will Explode)" reached #33 on the U.S. Billboard Modern Rock chart. [2] The band toured the United States, opening for Blue October in 2006. The band also features on the soundtrack for the 2006 film John Tucker Must Die (and were also given a cameo in the film itself).

On 23 June 2008, at Trash in Brooklyn, New York, People In Planes mentioned that they had become residents of New York City and were working on getting the correct documentation to make it official. They announced the winner of their cover contest as well and played a rendition of Hall & Oates' song "Maneater".

Beyond the Horizon, "People in Planes 3" and break-up: 2008-2013

People In Planes were in pre-production for their second album for Wind-Up records since they returned from the States in late 2006. They took a period off to rehearse new material and played a string of UK shows in late 2006 and early 2007 where they road-tested new material. New song titles include: "Baked", "Evil With You", "Get On The Flaw", "Human Error", "Better Than Life", "I Wish That You'd Fall Apart" and "Tonight (The Sun Will Rise)"

On 7 February 2008 People In Planes released "Pretty Buildings", the first song from Beyond the Horizon as an internet download through MySpace and the band's mailing list. [3]

Hey people. I hereby declare People In Planes are back! Our new project was recorded with four different producers in six studios across Wales, England and America, and we've put our entire souls into it. It's been a long wait for all of us, and we're really excited to present this first track to you- "Pretty Buildings".

--Gareth, Peter, Kris, John and Ian

The band headed out to SXSW in March to showcase songs from the new album before joining Jupiter One on a co-headlining tour with The Toadies across the States between March and April. Guitarist Peter Roberts blogged from the road on the band's Myspace revealing that the first radio single is set to be M'aidez, M'aidez, due sometime before the end of the first run of shows. [3]

On 26 March 2008, the first video from Beyond the Horizon , for the song "Pretty Buildings", was released online as a purevolume exclusive. [4] The video was directed by Walter Robot. In addition, on this date the splash page of the band's website changed revealing Beyond the Horizon as the title of the album with a release date of 9 September 2008. [5]

The song "pretty buildings" was featured in the Swedish-developed obstacle dodging flash game "Metro.Siberia – People in Planes edition" named after the band, which appeared on the front page of Newgrounds.com on April 17, 2008. This significantly contributed to the popularity of the song and the group. [6]

The track "Last Man Standing" taken from the album Beyond the Horizon was featured on the Spike TV mini series UFC Primetime on January 31, 2009, documenting the buildup to UFC 94 Georges St-Pierre vs B.J. Penn The track was used in the closing scene of the last episode.

The band closed out 2008 with a U.S. tour opening for The Toadies.

On 2 June 2009, the Band released "Gung Ho For Info EP", a digital only release featuring the songs "Lay In The Road" and "Baked", which were previously unavailable in the US.

The band blogged on Myspace that their next US single would be "Know By Now", and that the band was working on new material, referred to as People In Planes 3. A radio edit single of "Know By Now" was released in the U.S., but no additional songs have been featured on the single. A Myspace update in late 2009, the band has recorded 8 new songs for the upcoming record.

They supported Biffy Clyro on their European tour during the fall of 2009. They mentioned upcoming new music on a Myspace blog from February 2010, and hinted fans might get an advance glimpse by signing up for their emailing list. Also, People In Planes 3 is either an EP, or an EP will precede their third full-length album. On small tours they've tested some new material. New song titles that have leaked are "For Your Eyes Only", "Sitting", "Right Behind You", "Fade Away", "Wreckage", "Avalanche", "Glorious", and "Silhouette". No official updates from the band since 2010 beside Peter's scattered comments about Susan Boyle.

In August 2011, Steve Osborne reported on his website that he is producing a forthcoming album by People In Planes. No tracks or title were mentioned.

In 2013, it was reported that the band had broken up.[ citation needed ]

Band members

Discography

Studio albums

Extended plays

Other appearances

Singles

TitleYearPeak chart positionsAlbum
UK
[7]
UK
Indie

[8]
US
Alt.

[9]
"E.T.A" [upper-alpha 1] 2000Non-album single
"Mr. Bishi" [upper-alpha 2] 2001 Splendid Animation
"De-rail" [upper-alpha 3]
"Pollenfever" [upper-alpha 4] 2002
"Talking Heads"200510032Non-album single
"If You Talk Too Much (My Head Will Explode)"200633 As Far As The Eye Can See
"Barracuda"
"Falling by the Wayside"
"Mayday (M'aidez)"2008 Beyond the Horizon
"Pretty Buildings"
"Last Man Standing"200930
"Know By Now"
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released.

Notes

  1. "E.T.A" was released under the name Robots in the Sky
  2. "Mr. Bishi" was released under the name Tetra Splendour
  3. "De-rail" was released under the name Tetra Splendour
  4. "Pollenfever" was released under the name Tetra Splendour

Related Research Articles

Fun Lovin' Criminals are an American rap rock band from New York City. They are best known for their hit "Scooby Snacks", which features samples from films by Quentin Tarantino, and the song "Love Unlimited", which recalls Barry White's backing vocal group. Their songs often focus on life in New York City, as well as urban life in general. Their lyrics can be gritty or existentialist in nature, touching on topics such as organized crime and urban violence, but they are just as often humorous or satirical. The band gained a large following internationally, notably in Northwest Europe, around the release of their first two albums in the late 1990s.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The 69 Eyes</span> Finnish rock band

The 69 Eyes are a Finnish rock band. It was founded in 1989 in Helsinki by vocalist Jyrki 69, guitarists Bazie, Timo-Timo and bassist Archzie, joined in 1992 by drummer Jussi 69; the lineup never changed since then. The 69 Eyes music blends gothic rock with glam metal and rock 'n' roll in a style that was dubbed "goth'n'roll".

Oleander is a post-grunge band from Sacramento, California, USA. Its name is derived from the poisonous flowering shrub oleander, which line the highways of Northern California. In their nine years of activity, the band released four studio albums under various record labels. Their most successful effort, 1999's February Son, includes the hit single "Why I'm Here." Oleander went on official hiatus after the release and promotion of their third album, Joyride, in 2004. The band took some time off, but reunited in 2008, and began work on their album Something Beautiful, which was released on April 16, 2013.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Robots in Disguise</span> English electropunk band

Robots in Disguise are an English electropunk band composed of Dee Plume, Sue Denim and a changing line-up of backing musicians. The group released four studio albums between 2000 and 2011. In 2019, they announced their reunion and an upcoming album.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Blue Aeroplanes</span> English rock band

The Blue Aeroplanes are an English rock band from Bristol, the mainstays of which have been Gerard Langley, brother John Langley, and dancer Wojtek Dmochowski. All three had previously been members of the new wave "art band" Art Objects from 1978 to 1981.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tony James (musician)</span> Musical artist

Anthony Eric James is an English pop musician and record producer, who was the bassist for the 1970s–1980s bands Generation X, Sigue Sigue Sputnik and the Sisters of Mercy.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brendan Benson</span> American musician (born 1970)

Brendan Benson is an American musician and singer-songwriter. He plays guitar, bass guitar, keyboard, and drums. He has released eight solo albums and is a member of the band The Raconteurs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Flyleaf (band)</span> American rock band

Flyleaf is an American rock band formed in Belton, Texas, in 2002. The band has charted on mainstream rock, Christian pop, and Christian metal genres. They performed around the US in 2003 before releasing their eponymous debut album, Flyleaf, in 2005. The album went platinum after selling more than one million copies. Flyleaf released their second album, Memento Mori, in 2009, which debuted and peaked at No. 8 on the Billboard charts.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hot Chip</span> British electronic music band

Hot Chip are an English synthpop band formed in London in 2000. The group consists of multi-instrumentalists Alexis Taylor, Joe Goddard, Al Doyle, Owen Clarke, and Felix Martin. They are occasionally joined by former member Rob Smoughton for live performances and studio recordings. The group primarily produces music in the synth-pop and alternative dance genres, drawing influences from house and disco.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cancer Bats</span> Canadian hardcore punk band

Cancer Bats is a Canadian hardcore punk band from Toronto, Ontario. To date, they have released seven studio albums and six extended plays; with their most recent LP, Psychic Jailbreak, having been released on 15 April 2022. The band is currently composed of lead vocalist Liam Cormier, drummer Mike Peters and bassist/guitarist Jaye R. Schwarzer. The band are also currently joined by touring guitarists Stephen Harrison and Nick Sherman, following the departure of founding guitarist Scott Middleton in 2021. Cancer Bats take a wide variety of influences from heavy metal sub-genres and fuse them into hardcore and punk rock, and also include elements of Southern metal. Their sound has been likened to sludge metal, as well as to that of metalcore bands such as Converge and Hatebreed. The members of Cancer Bats have also toured and recorded as a Black Sabbath tribute band under the name Bat Sabbath.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Luke Steele (musician)</span> Australian musician

Luke James Steele is an Australian musician, singer and songwriter. Steele is the vocalist and primary songwriter of the alternative rock band the Sleepy Jackson and is a member of the electronic music duo Empire of the Sun.

<i>As Far as the Eye Can See</i> 2006 studio album by People in Planes

As Far as the Eye Can See is the debut album of Welsh alternative rock band People in Planes, released on 28 March 2006. After being dropped by EMI, the band recorded a new album at Wales' Monnow Valley Studio, containing new songs and unreleased Tetra Splendour material.

Adam Steven Ficek is an English musician and psychotherapist who performs under the Roses Kings Castles name. He is a songwriter and member of Babyshambles.

The Galvatrons are a four-piece rock band who formed on 28 August 2007, in Geelong, Australia. Lead singer Johnny Galvatron stated on radio station 101.3 Sea FM on the Central Coast that the band got their name from the 1986 animated film Transformers. The Galvatrons cite their influences as Devo, Stan Bush, Australian Crawl, Van Halen, Lion, Cheap Trick, Kim Wilde, Queen, Stevie Nicks, Pat Benatar, Kenny Loggins, Tears for Fears and Gary Numan. The band have completed their debut album, as announced via their MySpace, which was released 3 July 2009.

<i>Beyond the Horizon</i> (People in Planes album) 2008 studio album by People in Planes

Beyond the Horizon is the second and final album by the Welsh alternative rock band People in Planes.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Innerpartysystem</span> American electronic rock band

Innerpartysystem is an American electronic rock band. The group consists of Patrick Nissley, Jared Piccone and Kris Barman. The band is well known for their live performance lighting largely by Andrew Nissley and videos directed by Stephen Penta.

The Red Shore are an Australian deathcore band from Geelong, Victoria, formed in 2004. They signed to Big Phat Adelaide Records and Modern Music in 2006 and released their first EP, Salvaging What's Left. In late 2007, the band raised national headlines when they were involved in a fatal bus crash while on tour, claiming the lives of vocalist Damien Morris and roadie Andy Milner.

<i>Divided by Night</i> 2009 studio album by The Crystal Method

Divided by Night is electronic duo The Crystal Method's fourth studio album. The album was released on May 12, 2009. The first single, "Drown in the Now", which features vocals by Matisyahu, was released to the iTunes Store on April 14, 2009, and the second single, "Black Rainbows" was released to the Beatport store on April 28, 2009. On October 5, 2009, they released the third single, "Come Back Clean" also exclusively to Beatport.

Destrophy is an American alternative metal band from Des Moines, Iowa, formed in 2002 by singer, songwriter, guitarist, and producer Ari . The band has released two studio albums and one EP on Inner Light Records and are currently signed with Victory Records releasing two studio albums and three singles with the label.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Papa vs Pretty</span>

Papa vs Pretty was an Australian rock band from Sydney, New South Wales. Originally the solo act of then 15-year-old Thomas Rawle in 2006, Papa vs Pretty became a three-piece band in 2008 with the addition of Rawle's friends Angus Gardiner and Tom Myers, and a quartet in 2012 with the arrival of Luke Liang. On Monday 30 June 2014, the band announced their breakup.

References

  1. 1 2 Strong, Martin C. (2003) "Tetra Splendour", in The Great Indie Discography, Canongate, ISBN   1-84195-335-0, p. 1024-5
  2. Billboard Singles, Allmusic
  3. 1 2 "People In Planes | Listen and Stream Free Music, Albums, New Releases, Photos, Videos". Myspace.com. Retrieved 7 June 2020.
  4. "Video: Pretty Buildings on purevolume™". Archived from the original on 1 April 2008. Retrieved 1 April 2008.
  5. "The Official site of People in Planes || Pretty Buildings...The New Single!". Archived from the original on 14 May 2008. Retrieved 2 August 2007.
  6. Metro.Siberia, PP edition (15. April 2008)
  7. "People in Planes | full Official Chart history". Official Charts Company . Retrieved 23 May 2023.
  8. "Official Independent Singles Chart Top 50". Official Charts Company. 10 April 2005. Retrieved 23 May 2023.
  9. "People In Planes: Charts & Awards: Billboard Singles" Allmusic. Retrieved on June 15, 2010.