Friends since their childhood days in Porthcawl, vocalist Gareth Jones and guitarist Peter Roberts were first inspired to form a band after listening to Supergrass' I Should Coco as teenagers. This early musical bond was fully realized in People in Planes, where the duo was joined by bassist Kris Blight and drummer John Maloney. Originally called Tetra Splendour, the group released Splendid Animation in 2002 on the EMI imprint Wishakismo. Touring with Fun Lovin' Criminals and Biffy Clyro followed, as did a spot at the 2002 Reading Festival. The EMI deal ultimately collapsed, however, and the group re-energized itself with new ideas, new bandmates (with the addition of keyboardist Ian Russell), and a new aerodynamic moniker.

People in Planes recorded their debut album, As Far as the Eye Can See, with producer Sam Williams -- who, incidentally, also produced the Supergrass album that had such a heavy influence on the band. The band's first American show was held at New York's Mercury Lounge amid a growing buzz, and People in Planes wound up inking a deal with Wind-Up Records in spring 2005. A self-titled EP was issued soon after, while the group's full-length debut was released worldwide in March 2006. Actor Joaquin Phoenix signed up to direct the video for the album's first single, "If You Talk Too Much (My Head Will Explode)," and the band remained in the States until late 2006, at which point they returned home to work on their sophomore effort. Beyond the Horizon ultimately arrived in September 2008. ~ Corey Apar