The music of
Plankeye has blossomed over the past ten years. What started as a punk band evolved into power pop which eventually grew into an alternative rock juggernaut. Although the band never reached the success that their music suggested, their career spawned gold nugget after gold nugget of memorable hooks.
Wings To Fly is a greatest hits collection designed to mark the end of a decade-old career. Included on the disc are six new songs designed to give fans a little extra to mark the end. New cuts "Scared of Me" and "Down to the Altar" are lush arrangements that find vocalist Eric Balmer drifting into Adam Duritz territory, while the musical vibe follows the
Counting Crows as well. "Psalm 20" is a cut that penetrates the soul. Lyrically, the song is a direct line from God while vocally, the haunting harmonies send chills down the spine. In addition, the band includes a new version of the cut "Goodbye" that seems to be a solemn ending. Other highlights on the release include the moving rhythms of "Someday" and "Playground," and the pop elegance of "Chemicals and Sleep." Wings to Fly is a rock statement. The band shouts to the rooftops with evidence of a career that flourished with one rich cut after another. A great testament to where they've been. ~ Steven Douglas Losey