Artist: Plastic Yellow Band; Band Members: Gerald Jennings: vocals, guitar and keyboards; Joe Hurt: bass; Karl Derrick Tesch: drums; and Joe Smith (guitar)
Album: Above Gravity
Production: Label: ISI MUSIC; Produced by Gerald Jennings for ISI MUSIC; Music and Lyrics by Gerald Jennings; Publisher: ISI MUSIC, LLC; Recorded and mastered at: ISI STUDIOS
Attempting to find and keep the right person who will unquestionably and wholeheartedly love you, who you can also profoundly support as you both value the world around you, can be one of life’s most harrowing and exhilirating experiences. Progressive rock band Plastic Yellow Band, which is inspired by the captivating sentimentalizes that are presented by both classic and modern musicians, primarily focuses its songwriting on life’s most gripping struggles as people strive to embrace their emotions. The group’s recently released nine-track album, ‘Above Gravity,’ is a powerful and alluring musical journey that passionately explores the effects of love, and is dedicated to all who have lost someone they deeply loved.
‘Above Gravity’ beings with the epic 21-minute progressive rock song ‘Starlight,’ which is a enthralling ode to
1970’s bands like Pink Floyd. Beginning with a mesmerizing classical piano introduction that’s later followed by a epic guitar, which are both driven by raw emotion, the song is also alluringly filled with singer Gerald Jennings’ entracing vocals. The singer ponders how the woman he loves nurtured him, and he appreciated her love.
The rock band then captivatingly transitions into the entry ‘America (Mother of Exiles),’ which is driven by a chilling rock drum. Jennings’ voice, which becomes reminiscent of Elton John’s vocals, emotionally emphasizes how there are sad lessons that he has recently learned about life. Despite the challenges he has faced, he’s glad to be in America, as he wants to live his life in freedom. The song’s insightful lyrics are supported by a soulful piano, which becomes more upbeat in tempo a minute into the track.
‘You Lied To Me’ is the next intriguing progressive rock track on the record, and its vocals are driven by an enthralling organ and powerful drums. Once again, Jennings’ provides excellent vocals, which are also complemented by captivating rock guitar riffs. Plastic Yellow Band’s vocalist grippingly sang about how he wanted to see if the woman he’s interested in is the right choice for him. But he begrudgingly realized that he has to accept the truth was right in front of him, as she lied to him about him being the right one for her. He relatably notes that he gave her his whole heart, body and soul, but he ultimately wasn’t enough for her. The captivating lyrics also express how he should have know the relationship would never have lasted.
The next riveting entry on ‘Above Gravity’ is ‘Heaven Can Wait,’ which opens with a unique and entrancing R&B guitar riff that ultimately transform into a gripping punk beat. The song’s distinct guitars form the song’s signature sound, but unfortunately, the combination of all of the commanding instruments essentially overpower Jennings’ vocals. As a result, it becomes difficult to discern the singer’s vocals and message.
Plastic Yellow Band then quickly rebounds as it embarks on the unique indie-rock tune, ‘Two Virgins,’ which is driven by entrancing background vocals and guitar riffs that replicates George Harrison. Jennings passionately sings about how he was wounded in emotional war, but was ultimately able to fix his heart through peace and love.
‘When I Rock’ is the next powerful song on ‘Above Gravity,’ as it begins with a captivating rock-inspired drum introduction. Jennings contentedly sings about how he needs energy because the woman he’s with loves when he rocks. However, the track is most notable for its 1980’s-inspired rock vocals and instruments, notably the lengthy and memorable guitar solos that will surely leave listeners feeling invigorated.
The most notable song on Plastic Yellow Band’s new record is ‘Promises,’ which is driven by its alluring classical piano and Paul McCarthy-inspired vocals. Jennings powerfully sings about how he doesn’t understand how people can live with the suffering that’s happening all around them. The vocalist steadfastly emphasizes that justice needs to be served. He also passionately stresses that people can truly make a difference if stand by their principals. The track also philosophically notes that it’s easy to understand how people feel betrayed when promises that are made to them are broken every day.
The last two songs on ‘Above Gravity,’ which are titled ‘Pain’ and ‘Dressed In Her Lace,’ powerfully end on a captivating moment of reflection. Jennings finally embraces that despite the hardships that he has faced in his relationships, he’s willing to see if the woman he loves is able to ease his pain and truly love him for who he is.
Successfully connecting with the right person who will genuinely love you, who you can also profoundly support as you both cherish the world around you, can be one of life’s most distressing experiences. Plastic Yellow Band, which is inspired by the captivating sentimentalizes that are presented by both classic and modern progressive rock musicians, primarily focuses its songwriting on life’s most gripping struggles as people strive to embrace their emotions. The group’s recently released relatable and endearing record, ‘Above Gravity,’ is a powerful and alluring musical journey that passionately explores the effects of love, and is dedicated to all who have lost someone they deeply loved.
For more information on Plastic Yellow Band, visit the band’s official website, as well as its Facebook, SoundCloud and YouTube pages. Listen to ‘Above Gravity’ in its entirety below.
Written by: Karen Benardello