Plastic Mermaids – The House of Rapture, Portsmouth

Plastic Mermaids

Plastic Mermaids  – The House of Rapture, Portsmouth

The Plastic Mermaids in store/out store event was another of those in conjunction with Southsea’s Pie & Vinyl. Who’s little ole record café wouldn’t have been able to accommodate the band set-up, let alone their obvious popularity.

As such, the free gig took place at Portsmouth’s newest venue, the House of Rapture (adjacent to the Staggeringly Good Brewery). “We didn’t know we were playing on a balcony” exclaimed Plastic Mermaids amongst an array of equipment.

The venue is somewhat unusual in that respect, however despite a crooked neck by the end of the evening, the dinosaur church has become a welcome addition to the Portsmouth scene. What’s more, it comes with a bar serving some of the finest locally brewed beers that you could wish for.

Despite the band forgetting the name of the place, they were understandably more than pleased with their rider for the night. As for the gig itself, Plastic Mermaids performed a full set, largely focussed on promoting new album “Suddenly Everyone Explodes”.

It’s a beautifully crafted release, much like the beer and pies on offer for the night. Although somehow I don’t think they would have managed a stripped back, in-store performance. Given there were 7 mermaids on stage, not to mention the huge double-sided rack of synths, this was a complicated arrangement.

Plastic Mermaids – House of Rapture

Suddenly Everyone Explodes

The band explore a range of musical styles, the beautiful keyboard led slower pieces building up to a psychedelic soundscape. While Plastic Mermaids portray a modern take on psychedelia, at times they’re also reminiscent of Flaming Lips, Gorky’s Zygotic Mynci and Sparklehorse.

Plastic Mermaids also have the same level of experimentation, while producing finely made tunes that show off their talent. Several members swap instruments throughout the performance, as well as the occasional change in lead vocals.

As with the new album, Plastic Mermaids have segments of chaotic noise alongside more subtle mesmerizing moments. This being brought together as one during the operatic finale, with their backing singer sounding as though she’s presumably been classically trained.

If you didn’t manage to make it along to the House of Rapture, Plastic Mermaids are set to return to Portsmouth at this year’s Victorious Festival. After which, I doubt they’re going to suddenly explode like everyone else…

Plastic Mermaids “Suddenly Everyone Explodes” – Out Now.

The House of Rapture

Order the Plastic Mermaids record and support independent record stores online at Pie & Vinyl Online.