The Plain Janes have arrived with a strongly consistent sound that is primarily acoustic-based with occasional electric textures, moving from friendly, earthy guitar pop to funky folk rock onto post-grunge territory. The latter is most compelling for this reviewer, as showcased by the edgier rhythms and solos and the slightly nasal, hypnotic harmonies ala Days of the New in songs like "Something Familiar" and "Everybody Wants You."
Tripping Over Daisies should appeal to a wide range of listeners, from fans of Dime Store Prophets, Jars of Clay, Toad the Wet Sprocket, and Dryve to those of Plankeye, Third Day, and Days of the New. In fact, those still mourning the demise of Dime Store Prophets should take note: Masaki not only engineered the album, he made sure the finished project would please lovers of solid acoustic strumming and strong vocals.
The lyrics draw from life experiences to tell stories from an openly Christian point of view. "One Man's Blood" captures a powerful feeling similar to Third Day's "Consuming Fire":
tainted lips drink from the holy grail
jaded flesh sing as the Word foretells
earth and heaven reel in wonder
when broken souls are filled with splendor
it was one man's blood
one man's blood
the signature...
it was one man's blood
one man's blood
the signature of Love...
Sometimes the plainest Janes turn out to be inexplicably appealing, and such is the case with this band. Let's hope they stick around for awhile.
3.5 tocks
Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth 1998Reviewed by Chris ParksWith some bands, it is easier just to listen and enjoy their work than it is to explain why one finds doing so to be enjoyable. There are any number of bands where there is some distinctive feature that one can latch on to, some strength that one can point to and say, "This why I like this band," or "You should listen to this artist because..." With other bands, no particular feature stands…
