Dropping their debut album ‘Here, There Is No Gravity’, grunge band Plastic are ready to transport us back in time to the ’90s. Delving into the personal struggles of substance abuse, the album delivers the highs and lows of that period. Opener ‘Flossing’ is brimming with rage, and the angst is sustained into following track ‘Melt’.
From Foo Fighters to Nirvana, it’s clear where Plastic’s influences lie and they work together effortlessly, although at points the influences seep through a little too much and the band’s individuality fails to shine through. The gritty sound continues throughout the album, in both its high and low points. Often the band utilise tame beginnings, before kicking off into a mass of frustration with piercing guitars and dramatic tension.
Even as Plastic show off their more diverse side with ‘Headless Rabbit’, there is still a sense of urgency. The acoustic guitars and haunting vocals set the mood for something dark and even when the heaviness kicks in, there’s a solemn desperation underlying the music. When taken in context with the album’s concept, it paints a picture of what it’s like to be addicted to something, constantly needing it, making moments like ‘Headless Rabbit’ uncomfortably honest to listen to.
Plastic may not have released a masterpiece with ‘Here, There Is No Gravity’, but their efforts have put them on the map. They’ve bought the ’90s into 2018, with a helping of updated grunge spice. It might not be as hard-hitting as expected but the honesty of the issues being addressed on the album forces you to take note that times can’t always be good. This an impressive effort from the Cheshire based band and with some fine tuning on their own individuality, they’ll be set to dominate and lead the grunge scene revival.
JESSICA HOWKINS