People In Planes Are Taxiing While Touring

If you listen to People In Planes' new album, As Far As The Eye Can See, it's hard to imagine its expansive, melody-driven Brit-pop-rock sounds being created in a metal storage bin.

"We started practising literally in a metal cargo shipping container, a steel box," says lead singer Gareth Jones. "And then eventually we got into a 1920s farmhouse that a mate owned, rent free."

This was the rehearsal space for Tetra Splendour, People In Planes' previous incarnation in 2001-2002.

"It turned into kind of a drug den, with all our friends coming in, smoking dope and worse," says Jones. "The house then got a reputation in the area, so we needed out completely."

The Welsh quintet moved to Cardiff to grow as a band — and grew they did, landing a deal with EMI Music with whom they recorded a couple EPs and an album. After a cold response from critics and consumers, they were dropped by the label and forced back to the drawing board. They changed their name to People In Planes, got signed to Wind Up Records and now have a new CD and a refocused sound.

This is evident on the album's single, "If You Talk Too Much (My Head Will Explode)," which is about a difficult time in Jones' life. While performing it, he says that it "triggers a good emotion. But if no one gives a shit in the crowd and I can hear people chatting, I have a strong idea about that the song was written about and conjure up some of those feelings. Whether the song relates to you and your girlfriend or your parents, I just hope that people get that same thing off the record."

The woman with the operatic voice who sings at the beginning of the track is also close to Jones' heart. Guitarist Pete Roberts suggested that Jones' mom, who teaches choirs back in Wales, would be good for the small part because they wanted a "Julie Andrews" type of introduction for the song.

"She's kind of musical anyway, and gave me the musical influence to go on and do what I do," Jones says. "She loved being in the studio, being in the whole process, and now wants to sue us for royalties."

Another major fan of the song, actor Joaquin Phoenix, personally requested to direct its video. "Joaquin was really nice, but passionate when talking about things," Jones says.

"He's a regular normal guy on the set. He's so passionate about what he's doing. Every take you could see him either sitting behind the chair or leaping and bounding around. He never lost that energy."

After receiving comparisons to U.K. heavy hitters like the Dovesand Radiohead, People In Planes look set for take-off. But when asked exactly where he believes the band is at the airport, Jones answers, "I'd like to think we're still taxiing. It's a good place to be."

People In Planes are playing on Saturday at Toronto's Mod Club with The Exit and Eye Of Morning as part of Canadian Music Week.