"Strange Exchange" is Plankeye's sixth full-length album. This is their second release after their original singer left the band.
With this album, it seems that the new Plankeye has finally found the sound they were looking for. I was somewhat disappointed with their last album "Relocation," just because it was such a drastic change so soon. I thought it was a decent album, but it seemed as if they were desperately searching for something new really fast to fill the void of Scott leaving the band. There was a range of dynamics on that album that was great, but they were still wandering around aimlessly hoping to figure things out, while trying to keep the band together.
It seems as if time away from it all has done them well. The first thing that sticks out right away with these new songs, is the quality of the vocals. Luis and Eric share the vocal duties again, as they did on the last album. They are much stronger and clearer this time around, because they have truly found a range comfortable for them both. They aren't trying to reach notes that they can't hit this time. The overall quality of the songs is great as well. They have definitely spent time on each song and it shows, in the sound and also the length.
"My Wife" is the shortest song, but it is a beautiful acoustic track that allows you to take a break from the previous songs, and is a nice bridge that takes you into the second half of the album. It seems as if they did some experimenting on this album with different sounds, and the use of some electronics. It sounds good in the mix because they added it in subtlety, not bashing you over the head with it. The songs are very "in your face," but quite mellow overall, somewhat like their last release. This is just a great rock album that I'm sure some of the indie rock kids out there just might like it.
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Other coverage for this album
HM Magazine #89Reviewed by Andy ArgyrakisThe ever-evolving band Plankeye, whose members are always changing, returns with ten high quality tunes written and played with sincerity. Although the latest version of the group plays tightly, strumming each chord with accuracy and striking each drum beat with authority, Strange Exchange suffers from sound-a-like syndrome in which no track stands out as a heavy hitting anthem or future classic.…ReAL Magazine 2001Reviewed by David O.You can tell when a band is being dishonest with you. The songs on the record may be well written, but for some reason you have no desire to listen to it. Instead, you find yourself reaching deep into your record collection for R.E.O. Speedwagon albums to remind you what it was like when music meant something. Strange Exchange finds Plankeye in an identity crisis. This is not entirely a bad…The Phantom Tollbooth 2001Reviewed by Michial FarmerThe more I think about it, the more I'm convinced that I've been underrating Plankeye's last album, Relocation. It doesn't sound forced--the songs come out of honest emotion, and with the personnel changes the band suffered, they had plenty. So, for the last couple of months, I've had a really good feeling about Strange Exchange--I was expecting a masterpiece. Does the album deliver? Not exactly.…The Phantom Tollbooth 2001Reviewed by Kerry MaffeoAfter a year of re-invention and life experiences, Plankeye responds to those experiences and invention with their answer: Strange Exchange. This new collection of maturity-inspired works incorporates the talent of new members as well as the musical contributions of Eric Balmer's wife, Beth. This newest offering brings out the best in the band. The album opens with the invigorating "This Is," a…The Phantom Tollbooth 2001Reviewed by Glenn McCartyLittle remains of the Plankeye who were among the earlier modern rock bands to reach the Christian music mainstream with albums like The Spark and Commonwealth. Last year's Relocation proved an apropos title, moving band leaders Luis Garcia and Eric Balmer on to more progressive, modern rock territory, achieving an admirable sound and doing the almost impossible: resurrecting an established band…Similar sounding releases
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