Gothic Theatre
Planetary Nebula
Denver rock quartet Planetary Nebula is ready to start doing what it was formed to do: play live. The band is approaching its fourth year together and continues to merge the audacious power of garage rock with the chime and resonance of space rock. In a move that has made them all the more powerful and unique, Planetary Nebula has recently added a second drummer to the mix, who also plays the trumpet on some of the band’s jazzier numbers. In addition to releasing a new EP, the band looks forward to heading out on the open road this summer and trekking the east coast in the fall. So, who are these guys?
Bassist/vocalist Paul Leonard and singer/guitarist Mike Wolf have been playing together in bands since 1997 and their cohesion on stage is obvious. Paul Leonard’s bass lines recall the free-flowing style of early jam bands, though he is known to bring the funk from time to time. Mike Wolf’s wailing Rickenbacker guitar is augmented by his booming lead vocals that leap from a hushed tenor to a deep growl within the space of a single song. Guitarist/vocalist Jason Campbell has a beautifully fluid approach to the guitar and his solos and arpeggios elevate the band to exciting heights that must be experienced live. The interplay between the two guitar players, influenced by such bands as Television and Built to Spill, is often the foundation of the band’s groove. Planetary Nebula is rounded out and held together by drummer Joel Rieck, a founding member of the band who took four years off to play college basketball at Northern Arizona University. His hard-hitting complexity and jazz-influenced command of a small kit keeps the band tight and focused.
The recording Planetary Nebula recently finished is the follow-up to their first full-length album, entitled “Synapsus.” Put out in 2001, “Synapsus” has the feel of a good road trip album recalling such influences as R.E.M and Radiohead. The band’s new recording pushes the sound further ahead with new percussion touches by Shane Vargas and female background vocals from local folk singers and gospel singers. Look for the new EP to hit local stores this summer and keep an eye out for Planetary Nebula’s live experience: it should not be missed.
