Thick, thick analog synths kick off twin brothers’ project, Plastic Hacks new LP “Fabulously Melancholy.” The sounds are huge throughout the record, igniting the speakers, providing dance moments for those who want to fiercely move their hips. Not only is the record danceable, it’s emotionally relevant, tackling themes of systemic oppression, human disconnect, and mental health conditions like; dysfunction, depersonalization, anxiety, and loneliness. Plastic Hacks cite their inspirations as New Order, The Postal Service, LCD Soundsystem, and Her Space Holiday, but we believe they have a sound that is uniquely their own. It’s a sound to fall in love with, instantly. Rock the Pigeon is excited to dive into some of our favorite moments from the record.
The opening track is impossible to skip over. It’s the hook that will convince listeners to stream the entire record, and devour it. The fuzzy synths claim the moment. The glitchy synths add another complex layer to it. “Absurd Ritual” feels like an intricate musical design. It’s surreal and dreamy. They talk-sing, “The fever dream gives you this incredible awareness.” The lyrics of “Absurd Ritual” explore the surreal and often grim transformation from the boundless imagination of childhood to the monotonous, soul-draining routines of adulthood, like 9-to-5 office life, using metaphors to highlight the bleakness of day-to-day rituals. There is a long musical break in the song which gives listeners a moment to let the lyrics sink in or perhaps escape into the fever dream.
“Get It Together” starts off with a chant that could really feel like a workout routine anthem. The speed of the song gives off the workout vibe as well. This song provides the feeling of empowerment and drive that listeners really may need to “get it together.” Finish the project, take control of your health, whatever it is that needs its seams restitched. “You, get it together, get it together, get it together, or don’t.” Or perhaps the song sounds like the annoying voice in your head, shouting at you to complete more tasks and projects, do better, have a different personality, or be larger than life. Many synths swirl throughout the song, providing the listener with lots of incredible sounds to fall in love with. The repetition really drives the message home. You can use this track as inspiration for whatever you need to get done or get together, or you can use it to better understand the inner universal suffering that humans under pressure go through on the daily. “Get it together, or don’t!”
“Medicine Cabinet” has emo undertones that feel nostalgic, musically and vocally. This is the type of song that can actually save a life. It feels like a warm hug from a close friend, but the song gets even better when we explore the actual songwriting. Dive into the lyrics and hear mental health struggles on full display, being talked (or sung) about in a frank way that may bring listeners to feel less alone in their own rough experiences. This song could become a safe place, the shoulder that music fans can safely cry on, while they relate to the experience of seeking help, while trying to heal trauma, depression, and anxiety. None of us are alone.
“Meet You in Chelsea” has a round synth bass that dominates the track, while the raw lyrics share a story of a woman that is so detached from reality while she is modeling on red carpets and living for fame. Her dissociation story continues throughout the track with spoken lyrics, while synth breaks give the listener a sonic glimpse into the experience of dissociation. The lyrics make you wonder, how many famous people experience this level of mental derealization? Are they feeling like robots while climbing the ladder of success, unable to fully let any of it soak in? Do they feel the emotional rewards of success? Is this lifestyle even worth it? The song has an emo sounding chorus section, complete with a catchy hook, “She’ll meet you in Chelsea, someday soon.” Is this maybe a comparison of Los Angeles and New York?, where Los Angeles feels like a dream state and New York feels like a comedown to humbleness and reality? This is my personal favorite moment in the song. Well, maybe aside from the deep synth bass that rattles the speakers and shakes the room. Turn up the volume. Let the music take over, the sonic experience will bring you directly into the deep meaning of lyrics. Plastic Hacks have released an unforgettable record. Listen to Fabulously Melancholy on Spotify now:
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