Lucy Fitzgerald 
From the moment “Pilot” opens its doors, Planks invites us into an intimate, reflective world that balances vulnerability and a quiet strength. The artist’s background — making the full leap into songwriting in 2025 after years of musical life — comes through in every nuance; there’s a sincerity in the voice and delivery that instantly draws you in.
One of the great joys of this EP is the combination of thoughtful lyrics and subtle instrumentation. The lead single “Things Happen At Night” sets the tone with a relaxed groove, gentle guitar or keys rounding the edges, and vocals that sit just close enough you feel like you’re in the same room. The songs that follow build on that atmosphere — nothing feels over-polished, but rather carefully crafted. Planks shows a solid command of pacing, with moments of pause, reflection, and then a lift into the following phrase.
Across the four songs of “Pilot” (as shown in the streaming listing), you’ll find an exploration of familiar human experiences — quiet evenings, the space between intention and action, the push of change even when the world seems still. The production is warm and inviting, allowing the emotions to pulse without becoming heavy. I found myself drawn to the way each track transitions into the next, keeping a consistent mood while offering unique details along the way. There’s a grounded presence to this release: Planks doesn’t overwhelm with significant sonic shifts or flashy instrumentation. Instead, the strengths lie in restraint, clarity, and honest expression. It’s the kind of EP you might revisit during a calm evening, leaning back and letting it wash over you.
I believe this is one of the most heartfelt releases I’ve come across this year — it has the kind of authenticity that often comes from an artist investing deeply in their craft. Also, I found that the more I listened, the more subtle details revealed themselves — a delicate backing vocal here, a phrasing there that felt almost conversational.
If you’re looking for music with character, warmth, and the feeling of being spoken to rather than at, “Pilot” is a strong pick. Planks proves that less can be more — and that sincerity in songwriting still resonates mightily.
I encourage you to follow Planks, add “Pilot” to your playlist, and share it with friends who appreciate music that doesn’t need to shout to be heard. These four songs deserve a place in your rotation — each one offers something meaningful and invites you back, time and again. If you enjoy this EP, keep an eye out for future releases, as the foundation that Planks lays here hints at even richer work ahead.
Listening to songs so you don’t have to! Just kidding :D, you totally should. Music blogger by day, nurse by night
