CD review: Planning Space [LP]

Strap yourselves in, people: Planning Space’s self-titled LP is the standout Alt-Rock / Indie album for which you’ve been waiting. I don’t know whether to describe the band’s sound as Post Punk-leaning Hard Rock-inspired Alt-Rock or Metal-inspired Post Punk-leaning Alt-Rock, but however you put it, this works. Damn well. The band is incredibly tight, the lyrics are crazy fabulous, the singer – to die for (especially if you are a sucker for just the teeniest hint of Brit Pop). You’ve got seven clean and crisp and very, very inspired tracks. And I’m not kidding about those lyrics. The band -- Cal Pflepsen, Cameron Nicks, Dannon Nicks, and Danny Burton -- list their influences as The Offspring, Tickle Me Pink, Weezer, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Greenday, Muse, Chevelle, Red, Sum 41, Metallica, Linkin Park, Rammstein and Hans Zimmer. They know their way around their instruments like they were playing in the womb -- in fact Dannon Nicks is said to have picked up his first guitar at the ripe age of four -- and they aren’t afraid to take chances. They are downright brilliant. Check them out live at 8 p.m. on Thursday, June 3, at the Toad Tavern.

Sounds like: Rammstein meets Brit Pop

http://www.myspace.com/planningspace