FM sound reviews

London-based Fiction Plane takes pains throughout the press materials that announce its accomplished MCA records debut Everything Will Never Be OK to avoid any mention of singer/guitarist Joe Sumner’s famous father, Sting. While it is impossible to discredit the incredible leg up his familial ties must have provided Sumner, his nearly Cornellian falsetto vocals and the jangly pop hooks of the tight-knit threesome (including bassist/keyboardist Dan Brown and guitarist Seton Daunt) are certainly deserving attention in their own right.
With a breathtaking burst of energy more akin to U.S. based rock and roll outfits than the majority of pop coming out of the U.K., Fiction Plane hovers somewhere in the chasm between emo and pop. While they sometimes miss the earnestness of the former by relying on the sheen of the latter, the bulk of their songs are undeniably catchy. The trio is supported strongly by veteran sessionman Abe Laboriel, Jr. on drums. Coming off a world tour with Paul McCartney, Laboriel was brought in by producer David Kahne to provide some grounding for the newcomers. For the current tour to support Everything, the band will feature Indiana-bred Peter Wilhoit behind the kit.
Lyrically, the band suffers a bit from immaturity and repetition, resulting most often in songs that stick in the back of the head, but bear little lasting impression. Standouts include the Chris Penn-influenced “Military Machismo” and the most undeniable vocal reminder of Sumner’s old man, “Real Real.” As New Wave scion that is Fiction Plane admirably endeavors to make it on their own, touring the States and working ceaselessly, Everything Will Never Be OK represents an enjoyable trove of raw materials upon which to build.

http://www.fmsound.net/NewReleases/Articles/Fiction%20Plane/Fiction%20Plane.html