26 Mar 2023
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Soft Plastics - Single Review: Disembody

26 Jan 2023 // A review by Jack Grabham

A definite atmosphere builder. That's what I got from listening to Te Whanganui-a-Tara (Wellington to anyone reading from beyond these shores) indie three piece Soft Plastics new single Disembody. Shall I elaborate? Yes.

Band members Sophie Scott-Maunder, Jonathan Shirley and Laura Robinson have crafted a vision of emotional dystopia, wherein a juddering bassline dominates the verses, layered with a nice drum section and Scott-Maunder's ethereal vocal, which put me in mind of Julia Deans at her most playful yet threatening. Dark. Morose, even. Then we're picked up by a chorus with a fuller sound, and a more positive emotive vibe. Contrasts that don't jolt, but enhance the meaning of the lyrics: the ups and downs in one's own head as one plays the possible scenarios of an upcoming difficult conversation in one's head.

Technically well-delivered as a musical piece and really cool engineering by James Goldsmith, although I would have dampened the bass a bit more (think Geezer Butler early Sabbath era, all fuzzy and doom-laden). Other than that, great! Mastered by LA's Will Borza, the package it worth a listen.

The band itself is worth a follow too. Having gigged with Fur Patrol, The Beths, Hans Pucket, and a raft of festival shows, they are releasing their debut album Saturn Returns at the end of March. The very end, in fact. The 31st. If you're a fan of classic Kiwiana, i.e. trying to pigeon-hole them to a genre is as easy as nailing fog to the wall, then you'll enjoy Soft Plastics. Get into them. Support them. This single is a demonstration of their ability to deliver crafted music partnered with artistic lyrics.

Take a ride!

Rating: ( 4 / 5 )
 

About Soft Plastics

Sophie Scott-Maunder (she/her), Jonathan Shirley (he/him), and Laura Robinson (she/her) make up Soft Plastics, an indie rock trio based in Te Whanganui-a-Tara, Aotearoa (Wellington, NZ).

Described as garage pop with a nostalgic twist, Soft Plastics expertly blend melody and groove with moments of noise and power. Taking influence from 2010's indie guitar bands and alternative bands of recent years, the group are accomplished at converting fuzzy riffs and shoegazey reverb into devotional (and occasionally noisy) indie pop hooks.

Named by Radio New Zealand as 'Ones to Watch in 2022' , Soft Plastics have earned an excellent reputation with their unique brand of indie rock.

Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Soft Plastics

Releases

Saturn Return
Year: 2023
Type: Album

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