Paper Airplane Takes Flight After Extended Layover
Paper Airplane, the Columbus-based indie-rock quintet, is gearing up to launch their newest album, “In a Great Big Field,” after a prolonged hiatus. The songs on this album were actually recorded a couple of years ago, with some tracks dating back almost a decade. Over time, the meanings of these tracks have continued to evolve for the musicians, especially for lead singer and songwriter Ryan Horns, who reflects on how certain verses he wrote about personal experiences have taken on a broader significance.
One of the album’s standout tracks is the title song, “In a Great Big Field,” where Horns reflects on not having enough time to fix a damaged relationship and the need to meet halfway in a metaphorical neutral zone, akin to a big field. This notion of finding common ground has gained a new resonance as part of a collection of songs, offering a sense of respite from the overwhelming world. The current state of things makes it clear that everyone could use a neutral space to exist temporarily without feeling weighed down by life’s challenges.
In contrast to their previous album, “Othello,” released in 2019, which channeled anger towards social and political issues, “In a Great Big Field” takes a more introspective approach. The band delves into themes of resilience, how surroundings shape individuals, and how to navigate life’s difficulties when everything seems to be falling apart. As Horns puts it in the song “It’s Always Something,” there is a realization that sometimes there’s nothing one can do to change a situation, and all they can do is live the best way they know-how.
This shift in focus allows Paper Airplane to explore personal challenges and growth in a more intimate way, connecting with listeners on a deeper level. The band’s upcoming concert at Rambling House on March 27, supported by Garbage Greek, will provide a platform to showcase this new direction and share these introspective tracks with their audience. Amidst turbulent times, the band’s music offers a much-needed moment of introspection and solace, reminding us that it’s okay not to have all the answers and that sometimes the best course of action is to keep moving forward, no matter how challenging the circumstances may be.