Last time I was lucky enough to see the Plastic Mermaids was on a rather sunny afternoon, in a festival tent at the Deer Shed in Yorkshire. Their set went down a storm, everyone present that day completely hooked on their mysterious-sounding, somewhat whimsical psychedelic vibe. Three months on and a third EP later, they sound better than ever, and the small but happy crowd here tonight at the Brudenell Social Club in Leeds look to agree this is a fantastic band, with something quite lovely to offer.
A mannequin's sparkly legs provide a rather quirky Moog stand, placed centre-stage amidst a whole wealth of instruments, all of which the Mermaids make good use of throughout the course of the evening. It seems futile to explain 'who plays what' in this nautically-named five piece, as everyone pitches in wherever necessary, from track to track. Staying put the most is lead singer and keyboardist Doug Richards, who is busy enough with these two responsibilities, and is blessed with such a gentle voice that suits their slower songs just perfectly. Guitarist Jamie Richards also provides the main vocals for some of the songs - on occasion, belting them through a megaphone - whilst using a cello bow up and down his guitar strings; that's when he's not fiddling with machines providing various bleeps and backing tracks. Drummer Chris Jones plays a percussion kit as well as a drum machine, and bassist Tom Farren chips in on the latter when not occupied with his own four strings, or the odd cowbell here and there. Chris Newnham is also on guitar, or should I say 'primarily' on guitar, amongst all else (he grins from ear to ear the entire gig, too). It seems as though if you blink, someone will have moved stage position and picked up a different toy, for sure.
Trying to pin down their musical style is tricky, thanks in part to all of those instruments, and the switching from one to another as quickly as their songs' alternate in energy. They appear to have been slotted into a psychedelic pigeon hole, which is probably the easiest way to describe their experimental kind of sound, with plenty of effects and improvisation supporting their mainstream instruments and various rhythms. Most of their songs begin rather simply and then build as multiple layers are added. 'Fire Hand' starts with only a keyboard, then lyrics accompany with some regimental drumming to steadily drive everything up a gear, before guitars, backing vocals and machines completely lift the song aloft. Contrarily, 'Dromtorp' is a soft and non-frantic track, very simple and beautifully melodic. The use of brushes on the cymbals during 'Polaroids' gives off a lovely eeriness, almost like waves are washing around us; their Isle of Wight origins are perhaps responsible for this influence. 'Alaska', perhaps the more 'commercially-friendly' number from the set, quickly gains speed and sees the crowd bobbing along nicely whilst the lead guitar riffs also take the chance to shine. There is definitely a touch of Mercury Rev to the band, although the atmosphere tonight could leave one thinking they’re currently in a league all by themselves.
Guest vocalist Rhaine, also from the Isle of Wight, provides backing vocals on many of tonight’s songs, although she completely blows everyone away when she kicks off the gig's penultimate track Saturn with an absolutely amazing operatic-style solo piece. It is as if the room - time, even - stands completely still. As the section comes to a close, everyone awakens from their trance and breaks into loud applause, cheering the singer to the point she looks slightly awkward (although her smile gives away that she is chuffed with the reception!). Such a lovely moment in the night. And when it seems things can’t improve, the set comes to a close with the beautiful 'Beyond The Cosmos After Death' which is nothing shy of stunning, its lyrics "I will not break you, I won’t grow tired of you, I etched your name in the copper of my soul" leaving the room feeling haunted and yet warm and fuzzy, all at once.
It seems a pity to place this fantastic band out back in the Games Room tonight, when they would have more than held their own on the Main Stage - and brought in a few more punters in the process, too. But, what the heck. A cracking performance, regardless of the backdrop, and a must-see band for all.
FUTURE GIGS
sorry, we currently have no gigs listed for this act.