Fiction Plane

Fiction Plane lead singer Joe Sumner is probably growing tired of the comparisons between he and his legendary dad, Gordon Sumner (aka Sting), but seeing as he could pass for his old man’s vocal doppelganger, they’re inevitable. Sumner can’t be too perturbed by the association, however, as Fiction Plane hold the opening slot on this summer’s massive Police reunion tour, an opportunity the band would surely never have been afforded if not for their front-man’s fortunate family lineage. That’s not to say that Fiction Plane would be destined to the dollar bin without the influence of the all mighty Sting. Their 2003 debut, Everything Will Never Be OK, was sprinkled with catchy, if conventional, soft pop/rock songs that garnered the band mostly positive reviews. Their sophomore album, Left Side of the Brain, meets, but won’t exceed, expectations of listeners familiar with the group’s previous works. "Two Sisters” and "Anyone” are Left Side’s standout tracks, each with its own singable, if plastic, soft rock radio appeal. Sumner’s bright but facile vocals and the energetic playing of his band-mates are easily the album’s highlights. But what’s more obvious is that Fiction Plane have yet to distinguish themselves from the herd of soft rock bands vying for a spot in the limelight. And until they’re able to muster anything really exceptional, having Sting in high places may have to suffice.