Single Review: Disembody

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!