Plastic Barricades is a faithful moniker of London-based singer-songwriter Dan Kert and his troupe of ever-changing drummers and bass players. 2017 “Mechanics of Life” and 2020 “Self-Theories” form the current studio catalogue, with “We Stayed Indoors” scheduled to follow in early 2023.
Plastic Barricades approaches the frustrating cycle between wants and needs in a pair of singles released on November 18th, 2022.
This first look into Plastic Barricades forthcoming 2023 record We Stayed Indoors (TBA) features two sonically contrasting singles “Lucid in the Fall” and “Tallest Trees”, each with companion AI-generated music videos using image-to-text algorithms. Plastic Barricades states that the record is “…taking on the tricky subjects of hope, mental health, doubts, living in the moment, courage, perception change, regrets about the past and worries about the future.” Pretty much everything that’s been on everyone’s mind as we’ve returned to a sense of normalcy.
“Lucid in the Fall” features powerful guitar leads and grand choruses bear a similarity to an early 2000s cut like Polaris from Jimmy Eat World. The tension builds as Kert’s sifts through doubts to find what is truly meaningful in a world filled with distractions. Kert sings with earnest conviction on the choruses, attempting to remain lucid in the midst of turmoil. Kert takes a less metaphorical approach in his lyrics, taking a sincere look at what causes anxiety. A bucket list to Kert is an actual crushing force that one must overcome. In the closing moments, “Lucid in the Fall” breaks into a cathartic guitar solo that breaks down into forceful outro.
“Tallest Trees”, the accompanying b-side to “Lucid in the Fall” is a mellow meditation on humanity’s constant struggle to find peace. The control exercised on the track’s composition sets a stable mood for it’s almost 5-minute run time. Ruminating instrumental passages complete with horns and vocal harmonies have an In Rainbows era Radiohead flare. This b-side track is a powerful compliment to “Lucid in the Fall”.
Plastic Barricades brings into focus the existential questions of our times with exciting sonics and heartfelt lyrics. With an album on the horizon the singles from “Lucid in the Fall” are an exciting peek into what is next for the band.
Stream Plastic Barricades’ “Lucid in the Fall”
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