Planer releases debut EP ‘End”

Coming out of Minneapolis’ industrial landscape is Planer, a new band rising out of their own atmospheric corner in the world of heavy music. The four-piece outfit is forging a sound that pairs crushing heaviness counterbalanced by ethereal beauty, intimate moments unfolding into widescreen crescendos. It’s an output that echoes the sound of Deftones and the intensity of Dinosaur Jr., while Planer eschews musicianship theatrics to favour sonic landscapes built on pure cinematic immersion.

The band’s framework is all about tension and release; guitarists Jack and Zack shift between interlocking lines and pulverising riffs, while their shared vocals span hushed confessions and anthemic cries. It’s these sonic juxtapositions that give Planer its sense of scale, creating a listening experience that feels at once personal and overwhelming in the right ways.

Bass player Bucket’s playing provides the gravitational pull, keeping the compositions steady even as they threaten to drift skyward while Ricky’s drumming acts as the heartbeat, propelling the music through a spectrum of moods, whether in sparse, reflective passages or in explosive climaxes. Ultimately, it’s music designed to draw the listener inward before erupting outward, as if channeling the vastness of the post rock tradition while keeping its edges intact.

Capturing their sound in the studio, the band has made their official artistic entrance with the release of their debut three-track EP titled End. Capturing their sound just two months into writing together, the release presents a snapshot of a band still in its formative stages yet already showcasing a clear and compelling identity.

Opened by title track “End,” the laid back swing of low slung guitar chords expand when met with the heavy strike of drums, forming a temporary surge before dropping back down as the smooth vocal leads glide in. At once dreamy and impactful, the track captures a sweeping ebb and flow that sees the instrumentation build in waves while the gently melodic vocals add moments of delicate aesthetic. Erupting with crunching guitar riffs and gritty tones, it’s the perfect display of Planer’s thoroughly gripping sound that filters elements of alternative, post rock and shoegaze into a truly enveloping experience.

“Paper” sets a more upbeat tone with the twang of guitars making way for mellow vocal lines and the splashy patter of drums. With slick vocal layers spinning memorable melodic leads and the intricate plucks of lead guitar adding dashes of buoyant energy, it’s a charming jam that showcases the band’s range while building on their steadfast musical vision.

Closing the EP with “Satisfied,” the downtempo punch of drums and fuzzy guitar textures craft a breezy rock soundscape that softly floats down as the airy vocal performance drifts among a sea of atmosphere. Distilling an emotive scene, the track casts an engaging sound that progresses with moments of bouncy chords and rolling drums, resulting in a spectacular finale to the band’s sensational debut EP. It’s an impressive statement of artistic intent from an exciting new band that’s sure to win over fans across the USA and beyond on what’s sure to be their breakout year.

Listen to End below