Calliope Music Rapid Reviews
glass beach - Plastic Death
Vibrant, Yet Tangled Existentialism
A dense sea-side cavern environment is presented through an eclectic sound pallet of slippery basslines, bouncing guitar riffs, jabbing digital fuses, and mathematical drumming. Synthetic melodies and Progressive beats hit with pace, establishing an iridescent sprightliness to darker themes.
Such themes are those of a general existentialism, using a mixed-bag of odd metaphor, sentimental imagery, and violent anecdote to criticize societal norms and Capitalist ideals. The larger motif of control and questioning what control really means is executed well, but as the instrumentals find themselves victim to as well, many topics are too entangled in broad characterizations of what they represent.
That being said, the music itself reflects a reality in the confusion that comes with nuanced ideas, as lengthy progressions feed on a wide array of instruments and time signatures. As a whole, the atmosphere carries through, with expeditious piano loops, grinding guitar, and technical rhythm sections forming a formidable brightness for Emo music.
However poetic or dynamic the record is, a lackadaisical approach to the vocals bestows an unsettling juxtaposition to the energetic nature of the music. Monotone singing, nonchalant cadence, and simple progressive vocal layering tend to suck out a decent portion of the vivacity the instrumentals so endearingly introduce.
Still, there is a charm in glass beach's ability to introduce brilliant soundscapes. Although often unfocused or exhausted by poor vocals, there is an excess of beautifully fashioned developments. All in all, Plastic Death is a contentious, but genuinely glowing Art Rock affair.
Best Tracks: Coelacanth -- Motions -- Rare Animal -- Puppy -- Commatose -- Abyss Angel
6.5/10
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