Virginia Plane
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Virginia Plane

Atlanta, Georgia, United States | Established. Jan 01, 2011 | INDIE

Atlanta, Georgia, United States | INDIE
Established on Jan, 2011
Band Alternative Pop

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This band has not uploaded any videos

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"Virginia Plane s/t EP"

It was three years ago that we last heard from Mary O. Harrison, the Georgia-based singer/songwriter who has recently recast herself as the driving force behind folk-pop outfit Virginia Plane. Her one and only solo effort, Factory of Days (2008), was a fairly candid record – though imbued with occasional chamber pop flourishes, it dutifully stuck to a confessional aesthetic that placed the greatest emphasis on Harrison’s guileless voice. Virginia Plane may exhibit a more palpable group dynamic than Factory, but it is without question still the brainchild of Harrison, whose pristine fusion of power-pop jangle and folksy lamentation manages to be both unassuming and unsettling.
For their self-titled EP, Harrison assembled a team of multi-instrumentalists that includes Tracy Clark, Govind Dixit, and McGregor Button, who collectively perform on everything from bass and keyboard to melodica and even a typewriter. With a full band backing her up, Harrison’s songwriting in Virginia Plane readily harkens back to the feminist alternative rock salvo of the early 90s, perpetrated by artists like Juliana Hatfield and Liz Phair but ridden to mainstream notoriety a few years later by the likes of Letters to Cleo and Veruca Salt. This is pointed out not as a barb, but as the most plausible explanation as to why thoughts of the Reality Bites soundtrack and Friends filtered into my subconscious as I listened to tracks like “Aquarium” and “Sugar-Coated.” Plaintive and playful, the former displays Harrison’s dulcet coo, spunky drumming, melodica harmonies, and unguarded lyrics (“There’s an arrow in your eyes / not really cruel / but it cuts me down to size”). The bittersweet tone comes through without exigence, thanks to a lack of any reverb-affected vocals. “Sugar-Coated” is a surging power-pop number, bolstered by strummy guitars and an abundance of tambourines and hand claps.
The EP’s other fare is more divergent. The ethereal shimmer and medieval British imagery of “Idiot Soup” sound like the template for a PJ Harvey b-side from Let England Shake, but Harrison’s lyrical reassurances (“I’m not like the other girls / no need to fear me”) and flute solo in the song’s coda cast things in a decidedly less acerbic atmosphere. If it featured less guitar and more snark, “That’s a Lie” could pass for midtempo piano rock, à la Ben Folds. Closing number “Old Fashioned Girl” is the consummate swan song, optimistic and reaffirming while still retaining an air of whimsy thanks to the tapping textures of Tracy Clark’s Royal Companion typewriter.
The interpersonal relationships of Virginia Plane represent a notable and welcome change in M.O. from Mary O. Harrison’s solo days, and yet it’s “Wash It Clean” – the album’s only track devoid of additional players – that makes this record’s most memorable statement. Clocking in at less than two and a half minutes, the song’s spare palette of vocals, acoustic guitar, tambourine, and whistling exude an unfettered vibe that is often buried on other tracks.
Some may still be put off by the occasionally precious tone with which Harrison still manages to pepper her songs (and her seeming lack of interest in stretching her vocal range), but Virginia Plane’s debut EP represents a discernible and welcome shift in game plan, giving new breadth and depth to the melodies and narratives she already had a penchant for crafting. - adequacy.net - Indie Music Reviews


"Me and All My Talented Friends"

One of the best things about living in Atlanta is there’s creative inspiration everywhere you look. After I moved here in 2004, I fortunately very quickly fell in with some really talented folks (it started with my involvement in Chickens and Pigs and basically snowballed from there). It pushed me to be more creative and find new outlets; if it weren’t for the great songwriting of my friend Mary O. Harrison, for example, I’m not sure I would have ever started The Good Graces. A few of these friends have recently released some really outstanding records, so I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing that proud parent (or proud younger sister) feeling as I listened to them and attended their respective CD release shows. Here’s a quick rundown of my talented friends’ recent outputs . . .

. . . Virginia Plane is singer-songwriter Mary O. Harrison (formerly of Charm School and then Mary O. Harrison and the Tiny Tears) along with friends Tracy Clark (The Preakness), McGregor Button (Russian Spy Camera), and Govind Dixit (also from Charm School). Their 7-song debut is a superb collection of endearing, catchy folk-pop songs that highlight Mary O’s pretty vocals and captivating, introspective lyrics. Sometimes childlike (“I wish my dad was here, I wish I knew what to do”) and often nostalgic and visual (“Each year I remember … I will walk through the new green fields of this world like an old-fashioned girl”), listening to Virginia Plane is much like relaxing on your porch with a glass of lemonade and your favorite book. Extra cool points: The record was released by Atlanta’s Two Sheds Music, whose roster reads like who’s who of Atlanta songwriting geniuses—Blake Rainey, Jupiter Watts, The Preakness, and The Yum Yum Tree to name just a few.
- www.prettynewsongs.com


"Swimming in Virginia Plane's "Aquarium""

Singer-songwriter music and its most singer-songwritery. Quirky saddish melancholy poetic lyrics, sincerely and plaintively delivered over a bed of jangly indie pretty rock fishies. Yes. Very lovely flower arrangement in this “Aquarium.” Virginia Plane's indie pop stylings have a penchant for orchestrated pop, cautionary tales, Beatlesque melodies, and a dash of Americana. - July 1, 2011 - Superfan


"EP Release Blurb"

$5 gets you into the Virginia Plane album release party at the Highland Ball Friday night. Virginia Plane is the latest project of Mary O. Harrison, from Mary O. Harrison and the Tiny Tears. Fans of Meiko, The Weepies, and Ingrid Michaelson will be at home here. Check out their track “Idiot Soup” below, it’s a keeper! - Matt Jarrard, 6/23/2011 - Atlanta A-List


"The Latest Disgrace Review - Fresh Wax"

Listening to Virginia Plane’s self-titled debut sounds about like what you would expect it to. This quartet, fronted by singer-songwriter Mary O. Harrison, grouped seven folk pop songs together that sound like they came straight out of the Gin Blossoms/Six Pence None the Richer era of the ’90s except they’re not quite so well put together and delivered with half the emotional conviction and energy. Mix in a female punk whine and you pretty much have Virginia Plane. The release is quaint and cute, but it lacks creativity and progression. The spirit of folk music usually leans toward nostalgic and away from creativity (with the exception of some wonderful folk stand-outs), but this record does no leaning — it’s just sort of there. There’s not much to hate about it but there’s not much that jumps out and grabs your admiration either.

My biggest issue with Virginia Plane is that it lacks direction. Harrison’s vocals come out more like a conversation with herself than a song. Most of the tracks sound like a one-take performance of a diary entry sung over genre typical music, and though, at times, this aspect lends a pleasant, homey feeling to the songs, the album relies too heavily on this vibe. Any unique lyrical and musical ideas worth mentioning get watered down by an onslaught of average talk and sound. It seems Harrison has some interesting things to say on the record, but it’s difficult to pick them out. There’s so much musical clutter here; if the songs were more focused and refined it would have allowed her ideas the space they needed to really stand out.

One of my pet peeves with indie folk bands is when they draw an instrument into their writing and expect the instrument itself to make the song sound creative rather than the parts they write on it. Anyone can add a banjo. But if you aren’t going to play something worth listening to, I don’t want to hear it. Virginia Plane is a perfect example of this. The band attempts to blend in some cool, folky parts to their performance, but fail to use them in a way that adds dimension to the overall sound. Just as throwing more paint on a canvas doesn’t add quality to a painting, so adding extra layers of sound doesn’t make the music any more dynamic if they are not placed with precision and purpose.

Overall, the production on Virginia Plane is solid and the band seems to know where they sit genre-wise. There are some moments where the songwriting manages to stand out and the band proves they have some promise. With a little more time and growth moving forward Virginia Plane has the potential to do well as a folk band if they can find that pocket where they’re true to themselves but can also stand out from the throng of today’s oversaturated music scene.

Virginia Plane will celebrate the release of their debut, this Friday, June 24, at the Highland Inn Ballroom. Supporting them will be Os Ossos. Doors open at 9pm. $5 gets you in.

- Evan Andree, June 21, 2011
- The Latest Disgrace


"Virginia Plane EP"

" . . . this month sees the release of the self-titled debut EP from Virginia Plane, led by onetime Charm Schooler Mary O. Harrison. Simple and sincere in its pop pleasantries, it's a plainspoken peek into the desires and doubts of an old fashioned girl in the modern world. Release show is June 24th at the Highland Inn Ballroom. " - Jeff Clark / June 2011 - Stomp & Stammer


"Mary O. Harrison - Factory of Days"

This is a fitting solo debut for a woman who once fronted a band called Charm School. Formerly a student of new wave and power pop, Harrison has toned things down quite a bit on Factory Of Days, resulting in a collection of tunes that float between moments of orchestrated pop and roosty Americana. The unassuming combination of acoustic guitar, piano, bass, and drums heard throughout the album seems custom-tailored for Mary O. Harrison’s dulcet vocals. Vibrato-less and earnest, this Georgia native sings with a straightforwardness that can only be matched by her amusing lyrical narratives. Factory Of Days may come off after first listen as just another charming release in the folk-rock vein, but there’s plenty going on beneath the surface to keep the music from drowning in clichés.

Employing the occasional violin, French horn, and flute, Harrison manages to transform otherwise mediocre songs into little pop gems. In a couple of cases, moments of true resplendence are achieved. One such case is “Orange Blossom,” where finger picked guitar and sustained piano chords bleed together with the strains of a lonesome cello to create a haunting elegy. During the chameleon-like “We’re Not Alone,” Harrison and her backing band use tambourines, sparse vocal harmonies, and a Paul McCartney-approved bassline to take a downtrodden melody to epic heights of redemption. A gratuitous “nah, nah, nah” singalong makes sure the song never looses steam on its ascent. “Way Of Walking” finds Harrison and company channeling something that approximates Jenny Lewis, waxing nostalgic about a former lover while the propulsive rhythm section puts a shimmering pop glow on everything.

Like much music of this ilk, understatement and a sense of reservation abound. In terms of risk taking, there is little to be found here unless you count the awkwardly placed French horn countermelody that appears on “Surrender.” The music is rarely if ever cathartic, though energetic tracks like “My Own Island” and “Born Pretty” do a nice job of breaking up the album’s tendency to plod along. Harrison has a voice that rings with angelic clarity, yet its lack of range leaves a bit of an emotional void; the girl’s definitely got the pipes to belt out some killer licks, but she prefers to stay in the middle of her tessitura nearly 100% of the time. When her voice does show signs of reaching for the clouds, it usually does so with a falsetto cloaked in vulnerability. But then again, that might just be the point.

Thankfully, Harrison tends to avoid the indie habit of saturating the lyrics in hyperbole and metaphors. These are simple words for simple songs. In the aptly titled “Supper Song,” Harrison sings, “this is what I wait for……someone call me in to supper.” Musing on the whereabouts of a former acquaintance named Charlotte Anne (“Where Is Charlotte Anne?”), Harrison asks, “Is she down at Union Station? Is she wearing a new dress? Did she marry her old sweetheart?”

Factory Of Days will most likely not be one of the standout releases of this past year, but it’s certainly deserving of your time. As the economy continues its downward spiral and the mercury keeps dropping, the music of Mary O. Harrison feels like a fitting companion for these bleak days. Expertly layered with lush instrumentation, the finest songs resonate with the warmth of a blanket. With cozy instrumentation and warm production, you might even feel like hibernating for a bit after your first listen. But don’t nod off just yet; Harrison’s got enough variation with her song structures and textures to warrant several subsequent listens. Like many Americans anxiously looking forward to 2009, it’ll be interesting to see if Harrison can capitalize on the momentum she’s started here and carry it into the new year with a greater sense of urgency. - December 2008 - adequacy.net


"Whelan's, Dublin - 9/17/2010"

Atlanta, Georgia resident Mary O Harrison makes a welcome visit to Ireland for a one-off show upstairs in Whelans. A superb songwriter with a voice that echoes the late lamented Kirsty McColl, Mary's 'Factory of Days' album from 2008 was an aural pleasure from beginning to end. Sassy vocals over smartly subtle melodies, and beautiful instrumentation throughout; an album straight from the heart, performed with soul.

Mary will be ably supported by Austin, Texas resident Mo McMorrow, who also makes a welcome return to Ireland and is stopping off in Dublin for this one date as part of her Irish tour.
- Gigonometry


"Mary O. Harrison - Way of Walking"

I don't know how many times I've seen her play out (umpteen-ish?), but lately I've been revisiting the demo from Atlanta songstress Mary O. Harrison. She writes engaging melodic pop, and I think my favorite tune on the demo changes every other time I play it. Right now it's "Way of Walking," an upbeat ode to a crush with a smile and gait to die for... and perhaps an unhealthy obsession with Marlan Brando.

Mary O. Harrison - Way of Walking

Mary O. recently recorded a full-length album produced by Jason NeSmith of Casper & the Cookies, and (to the best of my knowledge) is shopping around for a label. She plays at Atlanta (Oakhurst) bistro Kavarna on December 1.

May 2008 - Cable & Tweed


"Mary O. Harrison - 8/14/08 Athens Popfest"

Another of the three pop/folk acts at Flicker on Thursday evening of Popfest was Atlanta's Mary O. Harrison . I had met Mary in Athens last year, and subsequently picked up a copy of her marvelous new CD (Factory of Days) from Two Sheds Music , and was anticipating this performance all afternoon. I was on the run to setup microphones over at the 40-Watt and only caught the second half of the set, but loved the renditions of "Last of the First and "Way of Walking" that I actually had a chance to see! [...]

http://elbo.ws/artist/mary-o-harrison/ - Elbo.ws


"Other Sound Festival - Atlanta, 2007"

I hadn't seen Mary O. as a solo act before, but I wasn't too surprised that the band played some bouncy pop music, which really suits Harrison's lightly delicate voice. Furthermore, it helps that the band knows how to pick up a catchy riff and /or vocal part. Pop music is inherently based on the familiar, and re-translations thereof. And certainly Mary O. Harrison and her band had this in spades. For me, the highlight of their set was a song called Last of the First, which had a catchy guitar riff and skipping vocal line that was rather reminiscent of some song from the early 60s, which I can't recall at the moment. Nicely done, and pretty much the definition of pop, as mentioned above. - Evil Sponge


"Debut Show Review"

“Mary O. Harrison and her new backing band kicked things off with their first show ever. Harrison, formerly of Charm School, looked sweet and demur as always. Her honest delivery and bright, ringing voice are the kinds one would imagine captivating kindergarteners in a music classroom. Her narrative storytelling and sense of melody are strongly reminiscent of Rilo Kiley’s Jenny Lewis.” February, 2007 - Southeast Performer


"Opening for Camera Obscura"

"The opener Mary O. Harrison was rather impressive . . . She and the remainder of her four piece outfit provided a soothing folky sound that sounded slow . . . almost to the point of being boring but well-crafted. So you can imagine my surprise when her guitarist told me afterwards that this was their third live show. If a band’s third live show ever is opening for Camera Obscura, you can bet they’re going places." - Indietastic.net


Discography

Fair Weather - 2017

Virginia Plane EP - 2011, Two Sheds Music

As Mary O. Harrison (solo record)
Factory of Days LP - 2008,Two Sheds Music

With Charm School:
Tomorrow Is Today LP - 2004
Career Day EP - 2002

Photos

Bio

Virginia Plane is an indie pop outfit from Atlanta, GA. The band's 2017 release, Fair Weather, showcases the group's artistic range, expressive arrangements, and lush vocal harmonies.  

According to lead singer and songwriter Mary O. Harrison, “The album is a kind of valentine to summer itself – not just that time in the calendar, but also the state of mind it suggests.”

The record blasts off with a wall of four-part harmonies on “Summer.” The title track follows, featuring the driving rhythm section of bassist Tracy Clark and drummer Wayne Pelletier and the first of several ripping solos on the album by lead guitarist Tim Pelletier.  Other highlights include the captivating nostalgia of “Summer Friend” and the sparse melancholy of “Birds of a Feather.”

Mary O. has been a prolific songwriter since 1999 when she formed Atlanta indie pop group Charm School (1999 - 2004). She released a solo record, Factory of Days, in 2006, and also plays keys in local Atlanta cover band Straw Polly.

Tracy is bassist for local heroes The Preakness, and often performs with Chickens and Pigs as well as the Good Graces, a band hand-picked by the Indigo Girls to open a handful of their 2015 summer tour dates across the US.

Wayne spent years in Atlanta Americana scene veterans Stovall. More recently, Wayne was a member of Bruce Joyner and Atomic Clock including playing drums on the 2014 release 'The Devil Is Beating His Wife' on Closer Records.

Tim is a Berklee College of Music graduate and audio engineer at Turner Studios. His career as a guitarist has taken him across the country as a member of independent bands in San Fransisco and Austin. Tim currently plays bass for one of Atlanta’s favorite Americana bands, The Wheelknockers.

Fair Weather was recorded/engineered by Tim Delaney at Electron Gardens in Avodale Estates, GA, and mastered by Everett Young of Modern Mastering. 

The name Virginia Plane references the classic Roxy Music tune "Virginia Plain" with an aerodynamic twist. Mary O. and Tracy, along with founding members Govind Dixit (ex-Charm School), and McGregor Button (Russian Spy Camera) released a self-titled EP in 2011.  That record was engineered by Ben Price (Studilaroche, Atlanta), mixed and mastered by Jason NeSmith (Bel Air Studio, Casper and the Cookies), and released by Two Sheds Music.

 


Band Members