Growth and maturity are probably the two best words to describe Commonwealth, Plankeye's latest effort. Much remains the same; Scott Silletta's voice still sounds unpolished and raw, the music still has the same energy and feel of their first two releases, Spill and The Spark. However, much has changed as well. Gone are the pop-punk influences that were prevalent before, and in their place? Solid rock and roll. Lyrically, Commonwealth goes even beyond the straightforwardness of The Spark, leaving no doubt about where the band stands. The songs are honest and open. There are even a few tracks that could fall into the category of praise music, albeit with a modern rock slant.
Musically, much of the material shows the growth that the band has experienced over the past few years. "Whisper To Me," the album's opening track, is a richly textured song that establishes Plankeye's departure from the punk world into a more elaborate musical domain. The best song on the album very well may be "Bicycle." Its first verse sounds strikingly like it belongs to Black Eyed Sceva with its awkward melody line, but as the song unfolds, it reveals lush texturing, complete with counter-melodies and layers of guitars that vamp to its climax. To put it simply, Commonwealth is more musical. Plankeye has taken all the elements from their previous two albums and done everything better.
The same goes for the album's lyrical content. One of the most refreshing things about Plankeye's music is that their lyrics leave nothing to the imagination. While the music has a harder edge to it, what the band has to say is always straightforward. There is no doubt where these guys stand regarding their faith: they put it all in their music.
Commonwealth has songs of doubt and praise and struggle and joy. Three of the songs, "Bicycle," "Beautiful," and "Who Loves You More?" involve a man and his relationships with his wife and with God. It's nice to see an artist speaking honestly about the struggles and joys of married life. Take an example from "Bicycle:"
I have a wife, and together we live in a very small room Yesterday she lost, her car broke down, and now I ride a bicycle You say, I told you so, you were much too young to get married But I say, You're much too old, and when did you stop living anyway?
Many Scripture references also pop up throughout the album. Plankeye evidently feels very strongly about presenting a clear picture of God in the message of their music, and especially of His sovereignty and majesty.
Commonwealth is the third chapter in the evolution of this band. The differences, however, don't really suggest a style change, and certainly don't put the band in danger of alienating their fan base. The members of Plankeye have grown up and also grown in their relationships with God. Their latest effort reflects that growth and continues to deliver the kind of rock and roll that Plankeye fans have found appealing in the past.
Other coverage for this album
7ball #6Reviewed by Scott W. ChristopherListening to the third release from Plankeye, Commonwealth, it becomes strikingly obvious that there's nothing wrong with getting better. The band has come out of the garage with a cleaner, leaner sound, full of loud melody, without losing the energy and sonic irreverence that gave them their edge in the first place. Lyrically, the band is just as fearless; where "alternative" bands are often…Similar sounding releases
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