It has been eight years since Fiction Plane have released an album in the USA, and the time seems to have pushed the UK trio in a new direction. Five years after Continental Europe only release, Sparks, Fiction Plane’s fourth studio album, Mondo Lumina, is infused with a lighter, optimistic outlook lyrically, while the instrumentation and arrangements showcase more depth. Released on Friday November 13, 2015 via Rhyme & Reason Records, the new album was recorded as well as produced by renowned engineer, Tom Syrowski (Bruce Springsteen, Pearl Jam, Incubus), at Henson Recording Studios in Hollywood with original members Joe Sumner (vocals, bass), Seton Daunt (guitar), and Pete Wilhoit (drums)
While Mondo Lumina has an overall Pop Rock sound, the album does not necessarily neatly fit into a box. It is fitting that the opening track is titled, “Where Do We Go From Here,” one which sounds like it should be played during a drive down an open road. Its hopeful melody immediately lures the listener in and prepares them for the journey ahead. It would be difficult to ignore the similarities in Sumner’s voice to his father, Sting, and though there are moments sprinkled throughout Mondo Lumina where that likeness can be heard, such as in the bluesy and sultry track, “Listen,” or in the jazzy and rhythmic “Refuse,” the range and tones of his voice are alluring and uniquely his own. With that said, there is a comfort and confidence in Sumner’s vocals that make the progression into this new sound believable.
As the album moves forward it is injected with elements of various genres as seen in the catchy “No One But You,” and the mandolin-tinged, “In These Shoes,” which give off a more Folk/Indie Pop vibe. The album is drenched in diversity, each song easily distinguishable from the other. There is an anthemic aspect to “Don’t Give Up the Fight,” yet the track maintains an equally subdued quality through its Western-inspired sound.
Furthermore, the latest effort from Fiction Plane is a surprise. It sounds more accessible and marketable in its upbeat lyrics and sound, which might turn off some fans who expect the darker tone of their previous albums. Although, what the group achieves is a diverse, yet cohesive, collection of songs that are appealing, interesting, well-crafted and yes, catchy. It would be difficult not to tap one’s feet to even the more laid back tunes, like early album cut “Flesh and Bone” or sway and sing along to the swell of the chorus in “First Time.” Perhaps the most mesmerizing track on Mondo Lumina is the finale with “Blind Pilot” which evokes a ’80s vibe early on and gradually builds as it transitions to a sweeping Rock song. It seamlessly showcases the strengths of each member of the band with its rhythmic beat, powerful guitar solo, and dynamic vocals.
Mondo Lumina seems like a rebirth for Fiction Plane. It may not be what audiences would expect, but that makes it all the more intriguing. It is sincere and memorable. With each listen, the audience can appreciate the nuances of the instrumentation and not only the beauty but the variety in Joe Sumner’s vocals. All together, they have crafted twelve ambitious and eclectic tracks that are infectious and seemingly simple, but in actuality are sonically complex. The use of unconventional instruments such as a glockenspiel and mellotron add layers to the songs while the purity of Sumner’s voice set against a more textured landscape creates a captivating dynamic. Mondo Lumina, meaning “world of light,” truly defines the approach the band took with this album and it is exciting to wonder where their sound will go from here. CrypticRock gives this album 4.5 out of 5 stars.
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