Backstory: In the summer of 2009, I was still writing for Modern Drummer magazine and got an assignment to interview a drummer named Pete Wilhoit, of the band Fiction Plane. I had heard of Fiction Plane already, specifically because the band is fronted by Sting’s eldest son, Joe Sumner. I had never heard their music, but I was pretty sure I would not dig them. Because Sting, well, let’s just say his music in not exactly my bag.
Guess what? I was incorrect in making that assumption. Pete turned out to be an amazing drummer, a great interview and a very cool guy. Around that time, I also went to see Fiction Plane play live at the Mercury Lounge downtown, and they just blew my mind away completely. Honestly, I could not believe they were such an exciting and engaging live band with a following of absolutely rabid fans. The show was just insane.
This week, Fiction Plane’s latest video for the song “Where Do We Go From Here” showed up in my mail box, and it felt like I was hearing from a favorite old friend. Fiction Plane’s sound has definitely matured in the half-decade since I’ve seen them, to where they sound less like a more aurally appealing version of The Police and now fondly remind me somewhat of Joshua Tree-era U2. Maybe that turns you on, maybe not, but it sure is refreshing as hell to rediscover a band whose music doesn’t sound like it came from a can.
Fiction Plane’s fourth studio album Mondo Lumina will be released on November 13th, 2015. The band performs at Pianos in New York City on October 13th as part of the Rhyme & Reason Records Showcase during the CMJ Music Marathon. In the meantime, enjoy!
Fiction Plane is Pete Wilhoit, Joe Sumner, Seton Daunt
