Wind-up Records seems to be expanding from formulaic arena rock acts like Creed into a more modern sound. One of the label's latest signings is Welsh alt rock band People In Planes.

Starting with a show at the SXSW festival, PIP will launch their first major U.S. tour in support of their debut album - As Far As The Eye Can See - which hits stores in late March. The band will kick off the excursion across the States headlining Billboard Magazine's SXSW Showcase in Austin, TX at the infamous Dirty Dog Bar.

Lead guitarist Pete Roberts shared his thoughts on the upcoming dates: "A lot of the amazing word of mouth we've been receiving so far has been from music fans coming to see us live. We can't wait to get back to the States, travel across the whole country and physically be around when the album is released."

The band's first single "If You Talk Too Much (My Head Will Explode)," has gotten off to a fast start at modern rock radio by hitting No. 1 on the R&R New & Active chart. Billboard says, "People In Planes carries a cargo of atmospheric post-Radiohead riff-rock, rubbing shoulders with fellow U.K. acts Snow Patrol and Muse. It is a burst of brilliance, beautifully balanced, that will strike a sensitive nerve with rock radio."

That sound is on full display on the first single and tracks like "For Miles Around" - although "Falling by the Wayside" is more reminiscent of other Wind Up acts. The band will get a big push coming out of SXSW and will likely gain additional buzz with Joaquin Phoenix directing their debut video. I fully expect People in Planes to be a breakout act in 2006.