The Getaway Plan

The Getaway Plan is a name bandied around ceaselessly in the Australian alternative music scene. Having been promising up-and-comers for more than three years now, the band was heading towards their time to sink or swim.

Following an adequate EP that saw critical recognition and modest commercial success, TGP have invaded music stores nationally with their debut album Other Voices, Other Rooms.

A brief, moody introduction draws your full attention to the album, but ignores any kind of segue into the opening track, the single Streetlight. This kind of mindless artistic decision is a worrying signpost to the band’s predisposition towards cookie-cutter alt-rock.

Many songs borrow their poppy sound heavily to Aussie counterparts The Hot Lies and Kisschasy, with intermittent screaming vocals dragging the band into territory The Used tread years ago.

That’s not to say that there isn’t a market for this album if consumer trends are to be taken into account. This particular brand of alternative music is only gaining in popularity, smashing it’s way into the mainstream.

Other Voices, Other Rooms has several redeeming features. The band has prominently placed synth loops in certain songs that add a pleasant character, and their penchant for big choruses is incredibly likable. The clarity of these aspects speaks volumes of the recording and production of the album, undergone in the U.S. The vocals are generally crisp, with instruments sounding clean, but by no means outstanding, which, unfortunately, sums up the band overall.

The Getaway Plan have a definite presence and talent, with almost guaranteed success in today’s music scene, but at the moment are being grabbed at the heels by mediocrity.

The album is a definite solid start, but album number two will need to have a more original sound for the band to have any kind of staying power.

3/5

Reviewed by Ben Hannah