Feel It Too / Dial is a two-track release from Planer, a band from Minneapolis, Minnesota, following their debut EP End, which arrived last summer as a three-song introduction to their sound. The new single continues to develop their 90s-tinged alternative rock aesthetic, drawing comparisons to bands like The Smashing Pumpkins and Hum, while further refining their own identity within that sonic space.
I grew up around the turn of the millennium, and one of the defining phases of my early musical journey was consuming everything related to grunge. Nirvana was, of course, the entry point, but I soon began discovering other hidden gems. It wasn’t long before I encountered the forebears of the genre, including Dinosaur Jr., and they were the first reference that came to mind when I heard Feel It Too – repeatedly, on first listen and beyond.
That said, I’m not talking about imitation or derivation in any negative sense. Rather, the track evokes a strong, almost nostalgic association with J Mascis and his band at their best, particularly in its slacker-like atmosphere – melancholic yet effortless, emotionally resonant without feeling forced.
I’ve heard plenty of less successful attempts at this kind of sound over the years, but Planer are not among them. On the contrary, they are carving out a distinct identity and a surprisingly strong sonic signature. The vocal melody in Feel It Too is especially striking. It’s not a particularly heavy or massive track; instead, it leans into accessibility and melodic clarity. One of its most compelling moments is the experimental outro, where the song gradually deconstructs – vocals recede into the mix before the chorus returns with renewed intensity.
The second track, Dial, is slightly shorter and feels more songwriter-driven from the outset, despite its heavier guitars. That balance is something I find particularly compelling about Planer: although their instrumentation can be quite heavy, the songwriting remains the central focus, executed with notable precision – very much in the spirit of The Smashing Pumpkins during their 1993–1996 era.
Still, Dial does feature a screaming guitar solo around the two-minute mark, though it never disrupts the overall atmosphere. If anything, the track recalls a heavier version of something like Pedro the Lion – music built on intelligent melodies and thoughtful arrangement, with strong replay value. I’m genuinely curious to hear where Planer go next!
This album was discovered via Submit Hub
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