CD Reviews


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The following is a CD review written by Plankeye fan Kirsten Jensen

I loved Relocation, although it's not the traditional sounds of the Plankeye we know and love. The songs are somewhat slower and more sentimental at some points. Over all, I give it a seven on a scale from one to ten.

The following is a CD review written by Plankeye fan Lynsey Delane

Hey everybody! Well, I hope all of you have already had an opportunity
to pick up your very own new copy of Plankeye’s latest release, Relocation,
but if not, here’s your chance to get a little preview. So, here we go! Well,
being the huge, major Plankeye fan that I am, Relocation’s release date, June 8,
could not come soon enough. (I had my trip to the Christian bookstore planned for
months!) I think one of the things that makes this album so anticipated is the fact
that it is Plankeye’s first album after the departure of two main band members, Scott
Silletta (lead vocals) and Adam Ferry (drums), who both left to follow different callings.
This left Eric Balmer (guitar) and Luis Garcia (bass) to continue Plankeye’s ministry on
their own and boy did these guys step up to the challenge! First of all, this new CD,
aptly entitled Relocation, relocated both Eric and Luis to lead vocal duties while each
still continued in their original positions as guitarist and bassist. Also, still without
a permanent drummer, Plankeye enlisted the drumming talents of Frank Lenz (drummer of Fold
Zandura) to play drums for the record. Several other musicians also contributed their
musical talents to Relocation. Another change for the Plankeye guys came in the
responsibility of songwriting. Both Eric and Luis penned all 11 songs on Relocation, a job
previously done in the majority by ex-lead vocalist, Scott Silletta. Well, now onto the
details of the record. Firstly and frankly, Relocation rocks! Yet, it is noticed that
Plankeye’s sound is notably different. How, you ask? Well, I’m not really a trained music
critic, so maybe that’s why it’s so hard to really explain. It could be the new voices,
but I think it’s more than that. It might be the more prominent, yet still intricate guitar
and bass, or the clearer vocals, or even the several quieter and more reflective moments on
the album, or it could just be something else altogether. Either way, Relocation is well
put together; it’s thorough, contemplative, honest, and fun! The album opens with Eric
Balmer on lead vocals in "Say Now That You’re Sorry," which was an immediate favorite of
mine. The song is fast and upbeat and showcases a great amount of rockin’ guitar. I
believe the song is talking about forgiveness (hence the title); not only God’s forgiveness
to us, but also the need for the Church to follow His example and forgive others. Song #3,
"Goodbye," is one of the more reflective moments on the album that I mentioned earlier.
The song begins with simple acoustic guitar and soft vocals by Eric, which continue to
build up and finalize into a honest and passionate admittance of God’s constance and love
and man’s utter dependence on Him. "Goodbye" is another definite favorite. "When It Comes"
(#4) is a duet between Eric and Luis and is the happy, easy-going song of the album. It’s
basically a lullaby with a great beat and I believe it’s also Plankeye’s first radio single
off of Relocation. The fifth song, "Call Me Liar," introduces Luis Garcia on lead vocals.
His smooth and unique voice adds a lot of diversity to the album. Well, I can’t write a
review on Relocation without mentioning "Break of Dawn" (#7). This song is lots of fun!
It opens with a series of "woohoos," but the best part comes during a bridge where Eric
treats everyone to an awesome guitar solo, only one of the many opportunities on the record
to hear this guy show his talent on the guitar. In my opinion, "Break of Dawn" is speaking
of the promise of heaven and challenges believers to continue to move ahead and be steadfast
until Christ’s return. Song #8, "Honey and Oil" is one of the most unique songs on
Relocation, displaying a very deep and prominent bass line played exceptionally by Luis. The title song (#9) entitled "You Got It" (not "Relocation") is another rocker and another
favorite. This song is very singable, especially on the chorus where you can join the guys
in the annunciation of "Re-lo-ca-tion, Re-lo-ca-tion . . .!" The album closes with the
eleventh song, "You Are For Me." The song opens with a soft drum roll and continues on in a
slow and reflective mood. The title says it all: God is for us always watching over us,
always with us. (By the way, the unmentioned songs #2, 6, and 10 on Relocation are equally
as great, but I figured I was already getting too long-winded to mention them all!) In
closing, I’d just like to say that I think Relocation is an excellent album, not only a
well-written and enjoyable record, but also one that encourages and challenges. I think
Plankeye has done a super, great job on this, their fifth album thanks guys! And again, if
you don’t have Relocation yet, please "relocate" yourself from wherever you are to your
nearest music store and obtain it!!!! - Lynsey Delane
* Note: * Any interpretations of any songs from Relocation are my personal interpretations
and not necessarily the interpretations meant by Plankeye.

The following is a CD review written by Plankeye fan Jeremy Rickard

I've been a plankeye fan since Spill first hit the stores. They were the
first band that seemed to be up-to-date in the "christian music" scene.
I hated the fact that the band split up some time ago but at the same
time it was exciting to think of the possibilities with a change of players.
The new CD Relocation confirms that Plankeye never lost a notch. Musically
they went somewhere they have never been and lyrically they are boasting
their best to date. This CD will hit home to many who are going through
transitions in their life and all of us do at times. Certain songs may bring
tears at some point while others will make you smile and press the gas pedal
a little harder from the jolt of energy that comes through your speakers. Top
notch, three thumbs up, an 11 1/2, five stars... what else is there to say?

The following is a CD review of "The Spark" written by Plankeye fan Duncan Smith:

Plankeye's second release featured the addition of producer Gene Eugene, who would go on to
co-produce the next three Plankeye CDs with bassist Luis Garcia. This CD's overall sound was
much cleaner and more structured The Spill, but it didn't sacrifice Plankeye's
signature hard songs, such as Boy, Tonight, Open House, and Drive.
They also managed to work in some slower songs, such as Three-Fold Chord, and
Questions. All in all, this was Plankeye's best and most thorough work to date.


The following is a CD review of "Relocation" written by Plankeye fan Duncan Smith:

Like a fine wine, Plankeye just seems to get better with age. This most recent release came on
the heels of the departures of lead singer Scott Silletta and drummer Adam Ferry from the
band. Bassist Luis Garcia and guitarist Eric Balmer split vocal duties to replace Scott,
and they brought in drummer Frank Lenz to replace Adam. This CD had it all; strong, worshipful
lyrics, touching slow songs, and high energy fast songs. It's hard to know where to start
when describing this CD, all I can say is get out there and get your own copy!!!


The following is a CD review of "The One and Only" written by Plankeye fan Duncan Smith:

This was probably Plankeye's "happiest" CD ever, exemplified by upbeat songs like Someday,
Sterling, and Playground. It also featured several songs drawn from personal
experience, like One or the Other, and Let's Try Again Tomorrow. It also
features one of Plankeye's most lyrically strong songs, in Fall Down.


The following is a CD review of "Commonwealth" written by Plankeye fan Duncan Smith:

Commonwealth is widely regarded to have the most opaque and least understandable lyrics of
any Plankeye release. Some songs seem to come from personal experience, such as Bicycle and
Beautiful. Others reflect on how God regards us, and how we sometimes regard Him in return,
such as He. This CD also features one of Plankeye's most lyrically understandable songs,
in Who Loves You More? This was Plankeye's most lyrically powerful CD to date.

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