Band's engaging sound predicts bright future

By Anna Herkamp
Staff Writer

One might wonder what four college-educated young men who attended prestigious universities such as Rose-Hulman and Northwestern University would be doing with a dream of becoming rock stars.

The members of Plain Jane decided to pursue this dream and released their first album on Jan. 1. Plain Jane, a four-piece alternative rock band from Indianapolis, is comprised of Kevin McPeak, lead and rhythm guitar; Sean McPeak, bass guitar; Craig Moore, lead vocals and rhythm guitar and Josh Putnam, drums, percussion and piano.

Plain Jane has a good rhythm and feel-good songs.

The band’s members have been playing together since they were teen-agers and picked up the individual instruments at earlier ages. Kevin has been playing guitar since the age of 13, and Josh has been playing drums since the age of 12.

While the reasons for pursuing a music career after attending college are obscure, one thing is certain - this educated foursome definitely has a chance in the music world.

The sound of Plain Jane can best be described as mid-'90s rock with acoustic melodic lines that resemble early Dave Matthews Band and Hootie and the Blowfish tracks. The light, easy sound of U2 or REM is familiar in the clean rolling melodies and refrains.

Moore has a powerful voice that inspires and radiates conviction for the lyrics. In songs like "Time For Change," acoustic guitar riffs at the beginning of the song sound hauntingly similar to the Dave Matthews Band's song "Crash". However, even though the band’s sound may imitate its predecessors, the lyrics carry through the song with a strength that is clearly their own.

Riffs on the CD like "Supernatural" have a Lenny Kravitz, '60s rock feel that will remind listeners of Bob Dylan and the Rolling Stones. Even Carlos Santana and Rob Thomas would appreciate a band that has the ability to make an original sound with pure classic rock rhythms.

Plain Jane’s talent stands out in its ballads and not the fast-paced rock tracks, even though the band is still in the developing stages.

After a long day, this type of rock is best for relaxing in sweats with a cup of hot chocolate. It’s not suited for the category, "easy-listening," but this music will definitely set your mind at ease.

Plain Jane is a band that is still in the making, but one thing is certain — it won’t stop here.

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Band's engaging sound predicts bright future

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