New Music: Sunken Planes – Still

Sunken Planes have shared the lo-fi melodics of Still, ahead of the release of their In Due Time album at the end of the month.

Hailing from Minneapolis, Minnesota, Sunken Planes invite comparisons to early R.E.M. with this, the third single from the LP. That’s down in part to the relaxed and ‘gazey’ jangle of the lead guitar but also the yearning clarity and air of seeking that quietly asserts itself in the vocals of Michael Banning, instantly evoking the somehow aged wiseness of a youthful Michael Stipe.

It does place Still in a place I like a lot: one where punk had become less fiery and more fluid, the vocals are clear, and the lyrics are written and sung to be heard. Does that make the song somewhat retro? Maybe, but it does allow you to appreciate the craft behind what you hear and how it makes you feel. Hearing music that isn’t over-designed seems rare these days, but Sunken Planes are flying the flag for that high and proud.

In Due Time is set for release on the 28th of August and comes with a limited-edition vinyl run of 100 copies on Bandcamp. The band has an official launch party for the LP in their hometown on the 12th of September – check their Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram feeds for info.