‘Underrated’ might as well be the main descriptor for NYC-based band The Planes. Founded in 2009 by singer/guitarist Stephen Otto Perry, the band has been releasing albums, EPs, and singles for decades, though without widespread recognition. Still, they managed to cultivate a small global fanbase through their sporadic gigs and physical releases. Now in 2025, they released their latest EP, “Motel For Lightning Bug”, a ‘grab-bag’ of the band’s work in 2024-2025.
Described as ‘indie rock bubblegum’, The Planes’ new EP is filled with a myriad of different sounds, from emotionally raw ballads with unique songwriting to heavy guitar-driven, energetic punk to indiepop hits. Inspired by Dinosaur Jr. and Pavement, the band keeps its signature sound while still exploring the ‘creative freedom of a transitional phase’. While most of their previous releases featured traditional physical merch, The Planes are selling limited edition sets of slide film this time around, including a Bandcamp download code and portraits of band members. The release is also currently on streaming platforms.
“Tear The World Apart” starts the EP off on a positive note with a production that sounds straight out of a ’90s/2000s alt-rock album. The song was already a fan favorite from 2013 before the band decided to re-record it and include it in the tracklist, and it definitely helps set the tone for the following tracks. The song features fun guitar rhythms and a steadfast bass that holds the song together, while the vocals are somewhat soft, which gives a nice contrast. The lyrics speak of a girl who’s going to California for a fresh start and is going to, like the song title can indicate, ‘tear the world apart’, and the track’s optimistic sound reflects the ‘starting over’ theme pretty well.
The following song, “Radio Summer”, helps further establish the band’s optimistic sound, alternating between calmer moments and harder-hitting drums with loud guitars. The song was inspired by the small bands that toured America during the rise of authoritarianism and the early ’90s indie rock scene, and shows hope amidst the struggle. In true “Teenage Dirtbag” fashion, the lead singer finishes the song off singing in a higher register that, at first, tricked me into thinking someone else was singing it, which I thought was pretty cool.
“Manhole Fire” starts off on an energetic note, with powerful drums and vibrant guitars. It’s the EP’s most blatantly punk track, and it doesn’t falter in its danceability. The song is inspired by a real event in Stephen Perry’s life: witnessing the chaos of a manhole fire outside of the hospital in which his daughter was being born. Josh Inman’s backing vocals really add to the fun of the track, helping keep its energy high.
“Cliff Diver”, another punk track, speaks of taking risks, changing, and leaving things behind. The song was actually inspired by Screaming Females’ disbandment in 2023, an event that sparked the song’s heavy riff, as well as the theme for the lyrics. Once again, The Planes takes a hopeful turn when choosing how to approach the song’s topic, and it works.
“Sleep/Gash” is my favorite. In the track, The Planes takes an aural turn towards melancholic bittersweet melodies and shoegazey production, resulting in a 90s-adjacent earworm. The lyrics are the most serious they’ve been so far, covering the pain of seeing a loved one deal with grief and not knowing quite how to help. Even with such a heavy topic, the band is still more optimistic than not, nudging the listener toward acceptance.
“The Box”, another re-recording from a crowd pleaser from 2017, closes the album off on an energetic note. The track features a catchy melody and enjoyable riffs, as well as drums that go hard. This time, The Planes sing about karma and getting what’s coming for you — less optimistic, but fun nonetheless.
“Motel For Lightning Bug” features powerful drum fills, a consistent rhythmic foundation on the bass, and fuzzy guitars that add dimension to the band’s sound. Their sound is a perfect blend of unique and familiar, taking inspiration from great bands while still being true to themselves. I can’t wait to hear more from them, and I wish them a lot of success.
Written by Ella Lipp
