The latest release from one of Christian alternative's premiere bands has had me scratching my head for quite some time now. I might end up with a sizeable hole in my noggin if I can't find a logical explanation soon. A logical explanation, that is, for why a band that has such deep roots in the world of Christian rock would risk tarnishing the name of an industry that it had a substantial role in revolutionizing.
Plankeye's "The One and Only" has strayed far from the ingenuity that underlyed their previous projects ("The Spark" and "Commonwealth"), and as a result their image has undergone a complete transformation. I agree wholeheartedly with RJ that this album has a creative, meaningful assortment of lyrics and that the sound brings to mind the melodies of Matchbox 20. However, this is where the problem lies with this endeavor - for whatever reason, Plankeye is attempting to be something they're not. Why change your sound just to try and adapt to changes in secular music? Why not stick with the sounds that distinguish you from others instead of distinguishing yourself from your trademark? It really doesn't make much sense, does it? Granted, variety is good, but change IS NOT. Now obviously, bands are entitled to experiment and try new techniques in songwriting; however, if I may offer a variation of an overused cliche': "why fix it if it ain't broke?"
Although I'm disappointed that Plankeye didn't hold true to form with this effort, let me take my critic's hat off for a moment and acknowledge that they have at least made an attempt to keep a small part of their old selves in this CD, with songs like "One or the Other," "Fall Down," and "Let's Try Again Tomorrow," selections which I could easily envision on either of their previous recordings. What's so mind-boggling to me is that Plankeye has been able to achieve what many have only aspired to in their profession and have apparently gotten bored with the success. If this is the case, then I would plead with them to unplug the amps and lock up the Les Pauls. I am a huge Plankeye fan, but I can't participate in heaping praise on something that I know doesn't represent the true nature of this band musically. I sincerely hope that this will be the "one and only" blemish on the record of one of Christian rock's most talented and influential entities.
Other coverage for this album
7ball #16Reviewed by Dan MacIntoshThe One And Only begins with a glorious blast of pounding drums, a wailing harmonica, and a bouncing guitar riff which announces through the song "Someday" that Plankeye has once again hit the bull's-eye with its piercingly sharp rock 'n' roll. Plankeye's sound is an unlikely mixture of punk passion, hyperactive new wave, and simple, straight-ahead rock 'n' roll. The instruments are distinctive…Puddlegum 1998Reviewed by R.J. JohnsonThere are many great things to be said about Plankeye's latest contribution to the music scene. One of the most noteworthy occurrences is the way that many of the lyrics on "The One and Only" read like poetry, providing a comfortable atmosphere and 46 minutes of thought provoking tunes. The overall theme of this album would have to lie somewhere in the area of personal relationships and the…The Phantom Tollbooth 1997Reviewed by Tony LaFianzaOrange County's second favorite Christian band, Plankeye, has become known for changing its sound every time out, and this fourth record, The One and Only, is no exception to that plank-rule. Having moved away from the punk rock of their first great record, Spill, into the classic rock of Commonwealth, Plankeye has now travelled to a post-punk pop sound much like that of modern rock darlings, the…Similar sounding releases
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