Plantoid
“This Brighton-based prog-jazz-rock outfit sound alive to the sheer joy of music making, coming on like an unholy union between Khruangbin, Deerhoof and Tame Impala”
Take a look at the cover art for Plantoid’s debut album, the jazzy, prog-rock opus Terrapath. In a desolate, misty landscape, a massive half-vegetable, half-machine structure resembling a spaceship looms above figures shrouded in shadow. It’s weird and eerie, but it also ignites a feeling of wonder and nostalgia, like cracking open your favourite sci-fi novel as a kid. It harkens back to ‘70s rock artwork, where ornate fantasy scenes gaze back at you from dusty vinyl gatefolds—and yet it was created with the decidedly modern AI software Midjourney. In short, it’s the perfect visual for a band that is able to marry both the old and the new in a fresh and exciting way.
Plantoid are one of those bands that exceed the sum of their parts, with each member bringing a unique flavour that enhances their sound tenfold. Tom has been playing guitar practically his whole life, and his style, which fluctuates from lush finger-picking to reverb-laden rock riffs, sits very comfortably on top of Louis’ jazz-infused drumming and Bernardo’s intricate basslines. The band find their ace-in-the-hole with Chloe, however—as well as serving as Plantoid’s principle lyricist, her soaring vocals, at times both angelic and alien, propel each song on Terrapath to new heights.
Represented by Rob Gibbs