Loud Planes Fly Low

iTunes Review

In the “tradition” of Richard and Linda Thompson’s Shoot Out the Lights, the Rosebuds’ Loud Planes Fly Low captures the sound of a marriage falling apart. Ivan Howard and Kelly Crisp have divorced but the details are still coming out. However, where the Thompsons were angry and over, these two cherish the friendship and hold on to what they can. There’s a rich subtext underneath these gorgeous electro-indie pop songs. The sound suggests a summer evening, but the lyrics tell us it’s a long night of the soul. The punchy and bright “Come Visit Me” evokes memories of Camera Obscura but Crisp has too much on her mind. “Limitless Arms” builds over five minutes of guitar strumming and rising keyboards with a calming steady beat holding still their rocky waters. “Waiting for You” features a call and response between the two that reminds fans that it wasn’t so long ago when they were singing together about their giddy love. “A Story” adds a darker power. The tones turn ominous and the vocals ache in general anguish. There is hope here — and pain, and truth.