Plastic Mermaids - Suddenly Everyone Explodes (2019)

Plastic Mermaids are a five-piece band from the Isle of Wight who, after building their own analogue studio, have self-produced one of the most genuinely original and sonically adventurous debut albums you’ll hear all year: ‘Suddenly Everyone Explodes’. They are brothers Jamie and Douglas Richards, who collaborate on vocals, synths and samples, along with guitarist Chris Newnham, bassist Tom Farren and drummer Chris Jones. Born out of the ashes of previous bands Magic Octagon and Neon Fetus, Plastic Mermaids are not a band who have ever wanted for ambition. They started out as a three-piece - Jamie, Doug and Chris Newnham - although they realised after early shows that they needed more hands on deck. “I was there at thir first gig, not playing but just watching,” remembers Tom. “It was utter carnage. I really appreciated the audacity of them even attempting what they were doing. They had an audaciousness, and the willingness to try things and have them not pay off.” “We just kept coming up with ideas and tried to make them happen,” recalls Douglas. “That’s all we did for ages. We didn’t really think about where it would all lead.” In terms of musical influences, fans of The Flaming Lips, Arcade Fire, Sparklehorse and Tame Impala will all find something to love in Plastic Mermaids’ richly-textured sound. The Flaming Lips’ influence is also evident in their ecstactic live show. Most bands wouldn’t go to those sort of lengths for their art, but Plastic Mermaids aren’t like most bands. They've had a great reception so far with their latest single ‘1996’ already being a favourite with Jack Saunders on BBC Radio 1, Lauren Laverne on BBC Radio 6 and John Kennedy on Radio X. More than just a record, they have created their own very idiosyncratic world. On ‘Suddenly Everyone Explodes’, you can explore it for yourself.