Pilots of Japan
Pilots of Japan is an indie band formed in 2004. Its members are: D I Smith, Matthew Brooks, Eddie Wilson, Daniel Matthews and Gary Chapman.
Their music incorporates layered melodies, synths samples and harmonies but is fundamentally lo-fi guitar rock, inspired by such bands as Pavement, Grandaddy and the Flaming Lips, without really sounding like any of them. Sci-fi imagery is sprinkled throughout the lyrics and artwork on all of their work.
They released their first album, "The Plan To Reverse Time" in 2006 on their own Wing Records label, supporting the release with excellent reviews in NME and Record Collector, radio plays on Xfm and Radio 1 and gigs with Franz Ferdinand, Clearwater and The Crimea. The Pilot's played their final gig in May 2007 at the Buffalo Bar in London.
In August 2007, Gary moved to Shanghai, China and D I Smith to Grand Rapids, USA, with the remaining members staying in England. D I Smith continued to write songs culminating in a second album entitled "Only Perfect Rest" (from the Robert Ingersoll quote), released December 2013. The album was written, played, recorded, mixed and mastered by DI Smith at home in Michigan. His wife, Jane, appears as a guest performer on track 3 "Tomorrow, Mobile!".
Discography
Albums
2006 - The Plan To Reverse Time
2013 - Only Perfect Rest