FICTION PLANE
Everything Will Never Be OK (MCA)
Reviewed by DJ Johnson

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"Touch me cause my daddy's rich - Marry into bigger fish - Tell me I'm your dearest honey - Think that I'm just easy money."

So singeth Joe Sumner in "Cigarette," the third song on Fiction Plane's album, Everything Will Never Be Okay. Guitarist/vocalist Sumner may be singing from experience, since his father is Sting. Right away, whether you'll ever admit it or not, the thought crossed your mind that this album is probably pretty weak and never would have been released without the famous dad connection, but you're wrong. First, the promotional materials that came with the CD make no mention of Sting. The CD liner notes don't, either. Just lowlife press scum like me make it known. On top of that, the album is one of the most interesting - and depressing - releases of the young year. Yes, we're only three months in, but there have been some damned good ones already, and this takes its place among them. Fiction Plane has a unique sound I'm not confident comparing to anyone else, but it does range from somewhat dark to "can I borrow a cup of hemlock" dark, so it's not recommended to those fighting depression. Others might want to give them a listen. Don't come looking for Sting in a different setting, because Sumner has his own voice. There are just a few brief instants when I thought I heard a touch of Sting's influence or genetics coming through, but less than half a second each time. The man has a nice voice and the lyrics to keep it well employed. Everything Will Never Be Okay is a strong enough album to put Fiction Plane on the map without the guidance of anyone's parents.

© 2003 - DJ Johnson