Plastique

Plastique burst onto the London gig scene back in 2011. This ultimately creative trio are incredibly hard-working and their long-awaited sophomore long-player is a complete digital experience, one of this year's best albums in our opinion.
'#SocialScar' was funded via Indiegogo, testament to Plastique's loyal fanbase eager to see and hear more from the British/Brazilian threesome.
"We wanted to challenge ourselves by creating a site where the listener can experience the lyrics in a pseudo-3D environment. We believe this is album art for the digital age… or at least a version of it. Either way, we hope it will re-ignite the idea of falling in love with album art again, in a way that’s relevant" says Gabriel Ralls.
This 'difficult second album' sees frontwoman Anelise explore her vocals in so many more ways than the band's debut self-titled long-pay release that was released back in 2011. It's exotic, with her Brazilian accent delicately punctuating the lyrics, her voice as an instrument instead of simply a method of delivering words throughout the album.
'#SocialScar' opens with the aggressive 'She Hates' before White Noise' is continues around a driving riff with obvious nods to Nirvana and Garbage. There's a bit of a break from the rocky swagger in 'Under My Skin (My Favourite Sin)' or so you might think. Riffs ease their way through simple soundscapes before a psychedelic guitar solo, followed by chewy synths.
See the video for 'Under My Skin (My Favourite Sin)' here:
Heavy basslines ensue in 'Apocrypha', a track that Thom Yorke would wish he'd written first. The album is much less effect-driven than the previous album, which was much more of an electric collection. '#SocialScar' is confident, brash and taking no sh*t from anybody.
“‘#SocialScar’ is a collection of stories and perspectives,” says frontwoman Anelise Kunz. “It’s about the dysfunctional lifestyles we all lead. Everyone has a disorder, according to society, and everyone is all-too quick to display their flawed/idealistic personas on social media, while becoming more socially inept in the real world.”
'Long Winter' is another stand-out track. At the start Anelise struggles to reach those highs but this only adds to the self-assurance of the entire album. Plastique have called our bluff in this, the penultimate song, amid slow backing of stripped-down guitar and slight keys for company through this tale of bipolar disorder. The closing 'Brasil' is in Portuguese - a homage from two-thirds of the band's home country. Taking 'Long Winter's slight sound and building into a gorgeous latino-rock infusion, its sudden forceful riffs drive the track forward through layered vocals and slight percussion. 'Brasil' is the mould in which this album is set - an unexpected finish but the perfect closer for such an individual project.
'#SocialScar' is a triumph. It's full of variety, and the band's passion for their craft is clear to see, it's so much more than a collection of tracks. It's a dark, all-consuming experience to get lost inside. Live, this is going to melt your ears with joy.
Explore the album '#SocialScar' on Plastique's interactive microsite.
'#SocialScar' is out now via all your favourite online stores. - Never Enough Notes

Plastique burst onto the London gig scene back in 2011. This ultimately creative trio are incredibly hard-working and their long-awaited sophomore long-player is a complete digital experience, one of this year's best albums in our opinion.
'#SocialScar' was funded via Indiegogo, testament to Plastique's loyal fanbase eager to see and hear more from the British/Brazilian threesome.
"We wanted to challenge ourselves by creating a site where the listener can experience the lyrics in a pseudo-3D environment. We believe this is album art for the digital age… or at least a version of it. Either way, we hope it will re-ignite the idea of falling in love with album art again, in a way that’s relevant" says Gabriel Ralls.
This 'difficult second album' sees frontwoman Anelise explore her vocals in so many more ways than the band's debut self-titled long-pay release that was released back in 2011. It's exotic, with her Brazilian accent delicately punctuating the lyrics, her voice as an instrument instead of simply a method of delivering words throughout the album.
'#SocialScar' opens with the aggressive 'She Hates' before White Noise' is continues around a driving riff with obvious nods to Nirvana and Garbage. There's a bit of a break from the rocky swagger in 'Under My Skin (My Favourite Sin)' or so you might think. Riffs ease their way through simple soundscapes before a psychedelic guitar solo, followed by chewy synths.
See the video for 'Under My Skin (My Favourite Sin)' here:
Heavy basslines ensue in 'Apocrypha', a track that Thom Yorke would wish he'd written first. The album is much less effect-driven than the previous album, which was much more of an electric collection. '#SocialScar' is confident, brash and taking no sh*t from anybody.
“‘#SocialScar’ is a collection of stories and perspectives,” says frontwoman Anelise Kunz. “It’s about the dysfunctional lifestyles we all lead. Everyone has a disorder, according to society, and everyone is all-too quick to display their flawed/idealistic personas on social media, while becoming more socially inept in the real world.”
'Long Winter' is another stand-out track. At the start Anelise struggles to reach those highs but this only adds to the self-assurance of the entire album. Plastique have called our bluff in this, the penultimate song, amid slow backing of stripped-down guitar and slight keys for company through this tale of bipolar disorder. The closing 'Brasil' is in Portuguese - a homage from two-thirds of the band's home country. Taking 'Long Winter's slight sound and building into a gorgeous latino-rock infusion, its sudden forceful riffs drive the track forward through layered vocals and slight percussion. 'Brasil' is the mould in which this album is set - an unexpected finish but the perfect closer for such an individual project.
'#SocialScar' is a triumph. It's full of variety, and the band's passion for their craft is clear to see, it's so much more than a collection of tracks. It's a dark, all-consuming experience to get lost inside. Live, this is going to melt your ears with joy.
Explore the album '#SocialScar' on Plastique's interactive microsite.
'#SocialScar' is out now via all your favourite online stores. - Never Enough Notes

Plastique have released their second video and single from their new album, #SocialScar; just as Marshall Amps have announced the group as one of five finalists for their ‘Ultimate Band Competition’. Titled ‘Under My Skin (My Favourite Sin)’, the video can be viewed here. The video continues #SocialScar’s conceptual imagery, wrapped with a song that’s just as punchy as it is melodic. Singer, Anelise Kunz, undergoes an
elaborate ordeal of passive and aggressive treatments:

“I had water buckets thrown at me against a wall, while blindfolded, on a freezing September night!” says Anelse. “I had to sing underwater in an outdoor pool; I had tomato soup and toothpaste put in my mouth at the same time… it’s fair to say I suffered for my art on this video, but the results are really beautiful and the story pans nicely out when you watch to the end.”

Guitarist, Fabio Couto elaborates on the plot: “We called upon [director] Renan Fabio Rizzi, a long-time friend of ours, to write and direct this video for us, as we wanted an alternative take on the concept for #SocialScar. We share a love for dystopian stories and Stanley Kubrick, so explored the idea of doing something that would have ‘A Clockwork Orange’ feel to it. Nothing necessarily makes sense on a first viewing, but there is a much bigger meaning behind it all; it’s all related, but we want the viewer to decide what that is.”

When asked about the song itself, the band’s producer, Gabriel Ralls explains “For me, Under My Skin… is about addiction. Everyone has a vice of some kind, and often it’s a very guilty pleasure, or a ‘favourite sin’. That addiction could be anything from drugs to a lover who is no good for you. Often we’re forced to confront this and let it go, cold turkey. In the case of the video, that sin is our freedom.”#SocialScar will be released on October 28th 2013 on download on iTunes and Amazon, HD download on Bandcamp, streaming on Spotify and Deezer and limited edition CD.

‘Under My Skin (My Favourite Sin)' can be viewed on Plastique’s YouTube and Vimeo channels. #SocialScar will be released on October 28th 2013 on download, HD download and limited edition CD.

An exclusive #SocialScar launch show will be held at the Enterprise, Camden on Friday 25th October at 19:30. The event is free entry.
Read more at http://hangout.altsounds.com/news/162372-plastique-release-skin-favourite-sin-music-video.html#Quk53MO5BGlOqhFC.99 - Altsounds

Plastique have released their second video and single from their new album, #SocialScar; just as Marshall Amps have announced the group as one of five finalists for their ‘Ultimate Band Competition’. Titled ‘Under My Skin (My Favourite Sin)’, the video can be viewed here. The video continues #SocialScar’s conceptual imagery, wrapped with a song that’s just as punchy as it is melodic. Singer, Anelise Kunz, undergoes an
elaborate ordeal of passive and aggressive treatments:

“I had water buckets thrown at me against a wall, while blindfolded, on a freezing September night!” says Anelse. “I had to sing underwater in an outdoor pool; I had tomato soup and toothpaste put in my mouth at the same time… it’s fair to say I suffered for my art on this video, but the results are really beautiful and the story pans nicely out when you watch to the end.”

Guitarist, Fabio Couto elaborates on the plot: “We called upon [director] Renan Fabio Rizzi, a long-time friend of ours, to write and direct this video for us, as we wanted an alternative take on the concept for #SocialScar. We share a love for dystopian stories and Stanley Kubrick, so explored the idea of doing something that would have ‘A Clockwork Orange’ feel to it. Nothing necessarily makes sense on a first viewing, but there is a much bigger meaning behind it all; it’s all related, but we want the viewer to decide what that is.”

When asked about the song itself, the band’s producer, Gabriel Ralls explains “For me, Under My Skin… is about addiction. Everyone has a vice of some kind, and often it’s a very guilty pleasure, or a ‘favourite sin’. That addiction could be anything from drugs to a lover who is no good for you. Often we’re forced to confront this and let it go, cold turkey. In the case of the video, that sin is our freedom.”#SocialScar will be released on October 28th 2013 on download on iTunes and Amazon, HD download on Bandcamp, streaming on Spotify and Deezer and limited edition CD.

‘Under My Skin (My Favourite Sin)' can be viewed on Plastique’s YouTube and Vimeo channels. #SocialScar will be released on October 28th 2013 on download, HD download and limited edition CD.

An exclusive #SocialScar launch show will be held at the Enterprise, Camden on Friday 25th October at 19:30. The event is free entry.
Read more at http://hangout.altsounds.com/news/162372-plastique-release-skin-favourite-sin-music-video.html#Quk53MO5BGlOqhFC.99 - Altsounds

The Marshall Ultimate Band Contest is back and this years competition is set to be bigger and better than ever! The aim of the Marshall UBC is simple – to discover new bands and new music, and give the deserving winners a shot at fame, fortune and world domination. - Marshall Amplification

The Marshall Ultimate Band Contest is back and this years competition is set to be bigger and better than ever! The aim of the Marshall UBC is simple – to discover new bands and new music, and give the deserving winners a shot at fame, fortune and world domination. - Marshall Amplification

We have been checking out their new tracks here in our office this evening and we have liked what we have heard. We are looking forward to hearing their new album next month too. - U&I Music Magazine

We have been checking out their new tracks here in our office this evening and we have liked what we have heard. We are looking forward to hearing their new album next month too. - U&I Music Magazine

Retour en Europe, à Londres plus précisément, avec le trio electro-rock Plastique. Un 11 titres plutôt dansant mais pourtant assez sombre et, il faut l’avouer, un peu inégal. On y trouvera tout de même d’excellents morceaux, tels A Paper Cut From A Paper Kiss ou encore Butterflies (qui me fait penser à certains morceaux de Zoe.Leela). - @Diffuser

Retour en Europe, à Londres plus précisément, avec le trio electro-rock Plastique. Un 11 titres plutôt dansant mais pourtant assez sombre et, il faut l’avouer, un peu inégal. On y trouvera tout de même d’excellents morceaux, tels A Paper Cut From A Paper Kiss ou encore Butterflies (qui me fait penser à certains morceaux de Zoe.Leela). - @Diffuser

With one of the most arresting videos around supporting a fabulous piece of electro-inductrial rock Plastique grabbed my attention with all my senses.

Lead vocalist Anelise has a classic ‘dead’ vocal style al la Shirley Manson or even Nico and with a massive bass and drum lead and growling guitars this song of getting older but fighting back against expectations is terrific.

You almost get the feeling that Goldfrapp put into her ‘disco’ period of fighting against the norm and subverting it for her own uses – it ain’t ‘nice’ but it strikes many chords.

The song would be a monster on the dance floor but could just become an anthem for the exploited. - Music News

With one of the most arresting videos around supporting a fabulous piece of electro-inductrial rock Plastique grabbed my attention with all my senses.

Lead vocalist Anelise has a classic ‘dead’ vocal style al la Shirley Manson or even Nico and with a massive bass and drum lead and growling guitars this song of getting older but fighting back against expectations is terrific.

You almost get the feeling that Goldfrapp put into her ‘disco’ period of fighting against the norm and subverting it for her own uses – it ain’t ‘nice’ but it strikes many chords.

The song would be a monster on the dance floor but could just become an anthem for the exploited. - Music News

A banda até pode atuar na Inglaterra, mas seu DNA é catarinense. Saídos de Blumenau e Balneário Camboriú, a vocalista Anelize Kunz e o músico Fábio Couto foram tentar a sorte em Londres, onde conheceram o produtor Gabriel Ralls e com ele formaram o Plastique, uma bem fornida plataforma de rock, pop, metal e eletrônica. O ano passado foi o mais movimentado do trio, com o lançamento do disco de estreia (homônimo), shows pela cena londrina afora e investimentos pesados na divulgação online. Comendo pelas beiradas, vieram breves menções na imprensa local. Agora, o Plastique volta à carga com o segundo single do álbum, A Paper Cut from a Paper Kiss, lançado na terça-feira (15). A faixa soa como um encontro entre Amy Winehouse e Garbage, enquanto o videoclipe (abaixo) completa no visual essa estética sonora retrofuturista. - Click RBS

A banda até pode atuar na Inglaterra, mas seu DNA é catarinense. Saídos de Blumenau e Balneário Camboriú, a vocalista Anelize Kunz e o músico Fábio Couto foram tentar a sorte em Londres, onde conheceram o produtor Gabriel Ralls e com ele formaram o Plastique, uma bem fornida plataforma de rock, pop, metal e eletrônica. O ano passado foi o mais movimentado do trio, com o lançamento do disco de estreia (homônimo), shows pela cena londrina afora e investimentos pesados na divulgação online. Comendo pelas beiradas, vieram breves menções na imprensa local. Agora, o Plastique volta à carga com o segundo single do álbum, A Paper Cut from a Paper Kiss, lançado na terça-feira (15). A faixa soa como um encontro entre Amy Winehouse e Garbage, enquanto o videoclipe (abaixo) completa no visual essa estética sonora retrofuturista. - Click RBS

If you’re a woman and you’re knocking on a bit (late twenties, that’s when things traditionally start going tits-up... or tits-south as the case may be) you understand all about the pressure to look young and stay young, even if it means hacking your body to pieces and injecting poison right into your lovely face. Plastique, an electro-rock trio based in London, describe their latest single as “a song about the ageing process... how woman are frequently told they have a best-before date.” It’s called ‘A Paper Cut From A Paper Kiss’, it’s out in January, and it’s kick-ass.

ImageThe lyrics are open to interpretation; but in my mind Plastique are commenting on the fact that a desirable woman is like a piece of paper; flat, flawless, uniform and creaseless, and that this idea is inherently damaging to the self-esteem of women, it figuratively - and sometimes literally - cuts us up. My thoughts aside, this snarling, dirty little battle with society is played out within this snarling, dirty little battle of a song, the front-woman Analise has a voice that is bored, sinister, pissed-off and cool like Shirley Manson with a Brazilian accent, and the song builds with an ominous riff and then buzzes, gradually seething, like a wasp in a tin can. If ‘A Paper Cut’ was the soundtrack to a film, then the film would involve a man being tied up by a beautiful woman, only to discover she’s about to start torturing him - slowly, painfully, perhaps with jagged pieces of A4. (Incidentally, the music video to this song involves a group of go-go dancers who murder their entire audience.)

Mixing electronica and rock and drawing on influences like The Smashing Pumpkins and David Bowie, ‘A Paper Cut From A Paper Kiss’ will appeal to a broad audience; in fact it should appeal to anyone who’s ever liked music, ever.

Female empowerment, paper-based metaphors and killer burlesque dancers all in one song. What’s not to love?

The self-titled debut album is out now, available on iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, Deezer and Bandcamp. And don’t miss the lo-fi video for previous single, ‘Butterflies’ filmed in the Old Vic Tunnels underneath Waterloo station. - Stereoboard

If you’re a woman and you’re knocking on a bit (late twenties, that’s when things traditionally start going tits-up... or tits-south as the case may be) you understand all about the pressure to look young and stay young, even if it means hacking your body to pieces and injecting poison right into your lovely face. Plastique, an electro-rock trio based in London, describe their latest single as “a song about the ageing process... how woman are frequently told they have a best-before date.” It’s called ‘A Paper Cut From A Paper Kiss’, it’s out in January, and it’s kick-ass.

ImageThe lyrics are open to interpretation; but in my mind Plastique are commenting on the fact that a desirable woman is like a piece of paper; flat, flawless, uniform and creaseless, and that this idea is inherently damaging to the self-esteem of women, it figuratively - and sometimes literally - cuts us up. My thoughts aside, this snarling, dirty little battle with society is played out within this snarling, dirty little battle of a song, the front-woman Analise has a voice that is bored, sinister, pissed-off and cool like Shirley Manson with a Brazilian accent, and the song builds with an ominous riff and then buzzes, gradually seething, like a wasp in a tin can. If ‘A Paper Cut’ was the soundtrack to a film, then the film would involve a man being tied up by a beautiful woman, only to discover she’s about to start torturing him - slowly, painfully, perhaps with jagged pieces of A4. (Incidentally, the music video to this song involves a group of go-go dancers who murder their entire audience.)

Mixing electronica and rock and drawing on influences like The Smashing Pumpkins and David Bowie, ‘A Paper Cut From A Paper Kiss’ will appeal to a broad audience; in fact it should appeal to anyone who’s ever liked music, ever.

Female empowerment, paper-based metaphors and killer burlesque dancers all in one song. What’s not to love?

The self-titled debut album is out now, available on iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, Deezer and Bandcamp. And don’t miss the lo-fi video for previous single, ‘Butterflies’ filmed in the Old Vic Tunnels underneath Waterloo station. - Stereoboard

by Paul Stewart

Plastique are an exciting band that combine rock and dance, we spoke to them ahead of their gig at the Rattlesnake. - Musicosis

by Paul Stewart

Plastique are an exciting band that combine rock and dance, we spoke to them ahead of their gig at the Rattlesnake. - Musicosis

When did you begin making music, and did you ever ponder a different career?

My first band was in 2000, where I sang covers back in Brazil. It was always a lot of fun playing our favourite songs, though we only managed to write one original song.

I decided to pursue my career as an actress, whilst working in various bars and offices (the usual). Acting was natural for me, as I wanted to be so many things… I discovered that you get to be everything at least once. When Plastique formed, I got back into singing, but with a Bowie-esque persona that allows me to sing and act at the same time. It’s a nice balance.

How would you describe your music?

We’re a rock band, but with a lot of heavy electronic drums and synths to boost the guitars – the influences between the three of us make a big impact: It’s a feel-good bad-ass sound!

What have you been up to so far and what can we expect over the coming months?

We have just celebrated the first anniversary of our debut album (the self-titled Plastique) and the feedback so-far has been fantastic. This year, we’ve gigged the London circuit; perfecting our live sound. We have a really tight show now. We also produced two music videos from the album, Butterflies and very recently, A Paper Cut From A Paper Kiss, which is being released as a single in January.

We’re already working on new songs for the next album, which we aim to have out later in 2013… all with more shows that we want to take to the festivals and as many locations that we can reach. So far so good!

If you could duet with anybody who would it be and why?

Dolores O’Riordan or Amanda Palmer are both big inspirations for me: they have such a beautiful energy!

What’s your desert island disc and why would you take this one album?

Oh man, that’s too difficult. For me would be all-or-nothing. If I cannot take a disc with my entire music collection then at least let me take my guitar, so I can play whatever I feel like! - More Than Music

When did you begin making music, and did you ever ponder a different career?

My first band was in 2000, where I sang covers back in Brazil. It was always a lot of fun playing our favourite songs, though we only managed to write one original song.

I decided to pursue my career as an actress, whilst working in various bars and offices (the usual). Acting was natural for me, as I wanted to be so many things… I discovered that you get to be everything at least once. When Plastique formed, I got back into singing, but with a Bowie-esque persona that allows me to sing and act at the same time. It’s a nice balance.

How would you describe your music?

We’re a rock band, but with a lot of heavy electronic drums and synths to boost the guitars – the influences between the three of us make a big impact: It’s a feel-good bad-ass sound!

What have you been up to so far and what can we expect over the coming months?

We have just celebrated the first anniversary of our debut album (the self-titled Plastique) and the feedback so-far has been fantastic. This year, we’ve gigged the London circuit; perfecting our live sound. We have a really tight show now. We also produced two music videos from the album, Butterflies and very recently, A Paper Cut From A Paper Kiss, which is being released as a single in January.

We’re already working on new songs for the next album, which we aim to have out later in 2013… all with more shows that we want to take to the festivals and as many locations that we can reach. So far so good!

If you could duet with anybody who would it be and why?

Dolores O’Riordan or Amanda Palmer are both big inspirations for me: they have such a beautiful energy!

What’s your desert island disc and why would you take this one album?

Oh man, that’s too difficult. For me would be all-or-nothing. If I cannot take a disc with my entire music collection then at least let me take my guitar, so I can play whatever I feel like! - More Than Music

An impressive slice of industrial electro-rock, complete with Shirley Manson-esque vocals, courtesy of front woman, Anelise, ‘A Paper Cut From a Paper Kiss’ is the second single taken from the band’s self-titled debut album Plastique, released this summer.

“The song’s about the ageing process,” says Gabriel. “How women are frequently told they have a best before date. Plastique (the stage persona of frontwoman Anelise) is a fighter and she's fighting to maintain her integrity as she reaches her 30s. Knowing that after everything, she will be ‘more than even’ – More even than what? That's the beauty of ambiguity; you decide. The sentiment is more powerful.”
Read more at http://hangout.altsounds.com/news/154528-plastique-release-single-a-paper-cut-a.html#Ymb7TeiRkzQO9yEJ.99 - Altsounds

An impressive slice of industrial electro-rock, complete with Shirley Manson-esque vocals, courtesy of front woman, Anelise, ‘A Paper Cut From a Paper Kiss’ is the second single taken from the band’s self-titled debut album Plastique, released this summer.

“The song’s about the ageing process,” says Gabriel. “How women are frequently told they have a best before date. Plastique (the stage persona of frontwoman Anelise) is a fighter and she's fighting to maintain her integrity as she reaches her 30s. Knowing that after everything, she will be ‘more than even’ – More even than what? That's the beauty of ambiguity; you decide. The sentiment is more powerful.”
Read more at http://hangout.altsounds.com/news/154528-plastique-release-single-a-paper-cut-a.html#Ymb7TeiRkzQO9yEJ.99 - Altsounds

London/Brazilian band Plastique are back with new track 'White Noise' after a short break over the summer. Taking a more guitar-driven approach mixing influences like Garbage and Nirvana into a more sweeping, brash and direct direction, 'White Noise' is a veritable aural kick in the face. Albeit a nice, riffy one with a definite groove. - See more at: http://www.neverenoughnotes.co.uk/2013/08/exclusive-video-plastique-white-noise/#sthash.A2rflP5n.dpuf - Never Enough Notes

London/Brazilian band Plastique are back with new track 'White Noise' after a short break over the summer. Taking a more guitar-driven approach mixing influences like Garbage and Nirvana into a more sweeping, brash and direct direction, 'White Noise' is a veritable aural kick in the face. Albeit a nice, riffy one with a definite groove. - See more at: http://www.neverenoughnotes.co.uk/2013/08/exclusive-video-plastique-white-noise/#sthash.A2rflP5n.dpuf - Never Enough Notes

White Noise was featured by Tom Robinson Introducing Mixtape. He's also mentioned the band on Twitter and in his blog: http://freshonthenet.co.uk/2013/09/mixtape20130930/ - BBC

White Noise was featured by Tom Robinson Introducing Mixtape. He's also mentioned the band on Twitter and in his blog: http://freshonthenet.co.uk/2013/09/mixtape20130930/ - BBC