VINYL OF THE MONTH: Not an Airplane

by | May 7, 2012 | Reviews

Not an Airplane
It Could Just Be This Place
Modesto, CA
(Self-Released)

“Rollicking alt-country harmonies and emotional breakdowns”

Not an Airplane will surely appeal to the Wilco or Mumford & Sons fans out there, but pigeonholing the band as just another alt-country folk ensemble is a bit limiting. Their current LP, It Could Just Be This Place, is a generous mix of folk, down-home country, upbeat swing and bluegrass numbers infused with themes of hope, melancholy and finding true love.

From a musical standpoint, the tracks are dominated by tight male vocal harmonies, steady drums, impassioned lead vocals (courtesy of frontman Nick Shattell), and plucky banjo, acoustic guitar and mandolin accompaniment.

The record is pretty cleverly divided into two sides, labeled “Speak In” (Side A) and “Speak Out” (Side B). Each half runs about 15 minutes in length, and plays through like a lost Uncle Tupelo concept album. There are clear song breaks, for sure, but the entirety of each side flows with perfect cohesion, both musically and lyrically. It’s refreshing, and was masterfully sequenced especially for the vinyl format.

Overall, It Could Just Be This Place is the most complete, unified and honest record to be pressed in quite some time. Our top vinyl pick this month.

Recorded and Mixed by Ian Pellici at Tiny Telephone in San Francisco

Vinyl Pressing by Rainbo Records

Mastered for Vinyl by JJ Golden of Golden Mastering

Cover Painting by Nick Shattell and Sharon Hay

Limited to 500 Copies

Pressed on Clear Vinyl

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