Reviewed by Greg Sammons

One of several bands from America's rock/hard music underground, moving up to the next level with some mainstream exposure. If you've yet to catch up on the band (whadja mean you never read about them in CR42?) or if you can't wait to get your hands on their Nitro Records debut, this Best Of from their days with Tooth & Nail Records is a useful item. Listening to this album you soon realise that Plankeye have rather a broad musical spectrum. These guys have been on a journey that has seen them mature from raucous punk to soft rock. Both extremes are represented well within and there’s plenty in-between. Like any respectable band, they don’t like to be compared to anyone but many tracks would put you in mind of Ash. The better examples of this would be “Captain” and “Ladies And Gentlemen”. Plankeye were rather baffled by comparisons to Greenday in some of their earlier work but with tracks such as “Someday” and especially “Open Day” you can see why it’s been said! But for many, I’m sure; the best tune on the disc is the definitive “Goodbye”, which is free of any glaring comparison. The original version of “Goodbye” signs off a good representation of one the best Christian rock bands of the ‘90s. Like a good quality “best of”’ album should be, it reflects all aspects of the band’s music and is the best starting point if you wish to buy their music. Whilst not making a huge impact on me, it can be enjoyed by almost anyone who likes music that falls under the broad umbrella of rock.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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