Review | Terraplane Sun - Friends EP

[M]ix two parts smooth Southern California style and one part bluesy-britpop, with a dash of 60’s soul, and you have a refreshing, rock-n-roll cocktail called Terraplane Sun to enjoy. Formed in 2009 by singer/guitarist Ben Rothbard and bassist Chris Campanaro, Venice Beach band Terreplane Sun have soaked up a good amount of publicity, by way of song placements in Showtime and FX shows, along with all that warm Cali sunshine. Their self-titled, debut album, was released in June of that year to critical praise and the band became well known for their intense live performances. Terraplane Sun then went into a two year hiatus, much to the chagrin of their new found fans, until 2011 and the release of the EP, Coyote, recorded live in a three day, whirlwind session.

The band’s brand new EP, Friends, will be released Tuesday, October 16th on Big Hassle, and although it hasn’t been quite as long between releases fans are excited to have them back. Friends opens with the kick drum beat of “Stuck in the Middle,” which has enough swirling Hammond Organ and laid back vibe to open a portal straight back to the sixties. With the switch of the radio station comes the funky, piano groove, soul of the new single “Ya Never Know.” It’s a strong representation of the band and the perfect track for a drive down the California 1 with the top down on your convertible, and a blond starlet in the passenger seat. “Tell Me I’m Wrong,” is a classic relationship misunderstanding, rock n’ roll song, but with a fantastic trumpet solo.

The last three songs on Friends, “No Regrets,” “Get Me Golden,” and the title track “Friends,” are a collection of tambourine shaking, slide-guitar playing, hand-clapping, sing-along songs that will make old fans happy and bring new fans on board.

Check out the fantastic single “Ya Never Know” above and be sure to add their newest album Friends to your iTunes collection next week.