Customer Reviews
Fiction Plane's Best Album Thus Far 
2008-05-27
Left Side of the Brain is an amazing album. I won't bother describing how good it is, since plenty of reviewers have already done so above.
My wife and I first saw Fiction Plane in Louisville, KY, when they were touring with The Bravery. We had no idea who they were, but from the moment they stepped on stage and began playing "Death Machine" we knew this band had something special. Considering that there were only 3 members, the sound they were producing was amazing! A few days after the show, we bought tickets to their next show in Nashville, (2 hours away from us) only this time we specifically wanted to see FP more than the Bravery!
Later on we found out that frontman Joe is Sting's son, but it didn't matter: Fiction Plane's music stands on its own and I wish people would stop obsessing about it.
Not only that, but FP is probably the hardest working and down-to-earth band in the business: On both occasions when we went to see them, they were on stage helping the roadies set up the equipment prior to the shows. And after the show, they always hang out with their fans signing stuff, chatting, and taking pics.
This album has been getting heavy play-time in both our cars and at home. Every single song has a unique quality. My favorite track is either Left Side of the Brain or Fake Light from the Sun. My wife absolutely loves Cross the Line and Drink.
I spoke with Joe Sumner after the Nashville show and he hinted their next album would probably be out in January 09, and hopefully it will include the awesome "Sadr City Blues" which they have been performing live for a while now.
Great sounds 2008-02-18
After hearing Fiction Plane open a concert before Fergie and The Police, I decided it would be a worthwhile purchase. The preview soundtracks from the album sounded good and upon delivery I wasn't disappointed. There's some similarity in sound to The Police (which I also really like) and overall it's a great listen, well worth it!!
fabulous, 2008-01-28
I saw this band on tour with the Police and the next day bought the album. the songs are catchy and very police-eske. Only later did I find out that the lead singer is Sting's son. If you are looking for a new Sting, this is not it. At moments he sounds very similar, but it is definetly it's own sound. Take a listen and enjoy.
3-1/2 stars -- Not without its initial turbulence... 
2008-01-15
Fiction Plane (fronted by Joe Sumner, the son of Gordon "Sting" Sumner) is another band that I was introduced to on the Tonight Show. After their major label debut went virtually unnoticed, they were dropped from the label and then took some time off to regroup. Now they're back with their sophomore album, Left Side of the Brain.
The beginning of the album has the weakest songs, however. "Anyone" is okay, but whether "Two Sisters" is meant to be taken literally or figuratively, it's still very hard to relate to (on the surface, it's about being attracted to two female siblings). And the pre-chorus to the sexual "It's a Lie" features the lyric: "All I want to do is jump your bones". Jump your bones??? When did we go back to 1982?
Political songs also don't come off much more than average, like "Running the Country" and especially "Death Machine". Thankfully, things pick up later on the album, as indicated on "Presuppose" and "Drink", as well as mellow songs like "Cold Water Symmetry", "Fake Light from the Sun" and the title track. And although "Cross the Line" doesn't look like much on paper, it's all in the way the lyrics are said.
Actually, I already named all the songs. Left Side of the Brain isn't a bad album, but you still probably will want to program your stereo to start playing the disc at track 5.
Anthony Rupert
Fiction Plane somehow continues to labor in obscurity 
2008-01-01
Perhaps it could be just four years of familiarity with Fiction Plane. My first introduction to them being live and knowing in advance the genealogy that might have helped me like this right from the first play. That notwithstanding this album still stands up well after multiple playings and somehow I wish the band could get out the shadow of Sting and The Police. I am at a loss to explain their continuing obscurity and semi-cult status otherwise. It's probably a reflection of who's running the music industry these days, this band seems to grow more by word of mouth and the occasional exposure to someone going to see Sting and The Police.
Certainly it is more in the genre of 80's and 90's rock (when radio play was actually enjoyable and the acts worth seeing) than alt indie and everything in popular music that's new for the third time or beaten like a dead horse. Certainly papa's genes show through more in the vocals of Joe than ever, but Left Side is definitely a keeper with nary a clunker and several really rather good tracks. It is a clear advance for the band but is still just a tick below "Everything ..." to me. I guess that's really not faint praise, either.
It's a lie, Two sisters and Cold Water Symmetry to me seem tightest and best done. They are quick examples of the diversity seen in the music with Sisters and Symmetry coming out as my favorites. The Reggae influence that the Police brought to mainstream music back when comes out more with the phrasings, rhythms and syncopations so it's specious to deny some continuity father to son. It is however very welcome, but very critically said the more that you like the early Police the more this will appeal to you. Again, I don't consider that a knock because it only suggests, not defines the band.
In the end it still comes down to talent and that came through in his musical genes as well as the voice. This is a worthwhile album and a band worth following in ocean of mostly just awful new music out there.
Absolute Garbage -- The apple fell FAAAAR from the Tree 
2007-12-06
I saw this pathetic excuse of a band open for the Police here in Vegas (at the MGM Grand).
Fiction Plane was so bad that I had no idea they were fronted by Sting's son. It was 45 minutes of sheer torture.
The VAST MAJORITY of the audience was hanging out outside the seating area waiting, waiting, WAITING for the pain to end. (The only reason I didn't is my back, can't stand for too long.)
Fortunately it did and the Police came out and gave us two hours of fantastic music.
Sting's boy is lucky his Old Man's worth a couple hundred million bucks.
If I could give it a Negative 5 Star rating I would.
This is proof that even environment AND heredity can't guarantee ability--let alone brillance.
Third time a charm for FictionPlane 2007-11-08
My wife and I saw FictionPlane open up for The Police in July at Fenway Park. We were so impressed with them, we had to get this CD (their 3rd). We had no idea that the lead singer (Joe Sumner) is Sting's son. He plays bass too like his old man. And we just saw them again at MSG in NYC last week. They put on a really great show...and the Police were pretty good too;) My faves are Anyone, It's a Lie, Running the Country, Cross the Line, Two Sisters, title track, Death Machine and Cold Water Symmetry; pretty much the whole thing. The CD is that good; Joe's vocals remind of me of his old man in early Police. I love the lyrics too; he must've picked that up too from good ol' dad. And I'll be getting their first CD too; Everything Will Never Be OK.
They remind me a bit of Snow Patrol and Coldplay. I like finding new artists that keep it going. My advice is to pick this up and give it a try. You won't be sorry.
Love it! 2007-10-19
Saw Fiction Plane in Chicago and have tickets to see them again in Charlotte. Dynamic trio with a wonderful sound. Have meet them all in person and they are true artist. Love the track "It's A Lie" & "Death Machine".
mind bending 2007-10-08
Five stars are not enough. I just saw Fiction Plane live in Paris (both at le Stade de France and in the very intimate Nouveau Casino), and to say that they rock hard is an understatement. These guys have a level of intellect, irony, art, and raw passion (not to mention exceptional musical talent) that is truly amazing and should be experienced. On top of it all, judging by the conversations I had with them, they are incredibly humble, and genuinely nice. All in all, this band is unprecedented. Buy their music, and go see them live if you get the chance.
Some great songs... 2007-10-04
Overall I give this CD four stars. It is a little on the inconsistent side, but tracks 1,3, and 6 come to mind as standouts. If I could honestly say all the songs were great, I would definitely give it a higher rating, but since there are only a few songs that really stand out to me, I won't.
Definitely worth buying though if you like great lyrics, strong bass lines, and great vocals.
