Plastic angels came about from the Ashes of a group called Poshfuc. Poshfuc were Heather Stewart on bass, Joe Hackett vocals and guitar...And a drum machine called The Doc. Poshfuc played only two gigs, one of those with Eastfield. the other a local gig. Unfortunately, Poshfuc decided to call it a day not long after the Eastfield gig and the songs were put in The Alternative cupboard. Around two years after Poshfuc disbanded. Joe approached Mark and Jammy. both of whom Joe had played with in Cretin77. the songs then took on another life having two great musicians being applied to the trax. Joe stayed on vocals and lead guitar with a new band name Plastic Angels. After playing a debut gig (which was a cracker) supporting Chaos 8. Plastic Angels unfortunately disbanded. Songs back in The Alternative cupboard. Then after another year and a half Plastic Angels again took another time around. only this time with the very excellent Nick Fenton taking over from Joe on lead guitar. a move which all the band very much thought was a good one. After around a year rehearsing (no gigs due to virus) Plastic Angels approached Tom Savage. who recorded C77 album Cretin City Terminal. to record Blue Halo, Plastic Angels debut album. The band are now looking to take this debut album out onstage. . Mark, Stevie, Joe, Nick Fenton. Nick had previously played for Criminal X.
Being a huge fan of Joe and his other bands, Cretin 77 and Wreck-Age this review may come as no surprise that I decided it would be an honour to do. Joe’s signature and unique vocals, complimented perfectly by stunning guitar and drum work make this album a little bit special. Yes, you will hear 77 and Wreck-Age, but it also stands on its own as a different and unique musical piece. Each tune, each lyric will have you foot tapping and singing along. Every track a winner. Those who know Joe will know he puts everything into his music, live performances are a testament to that. Passion energy and honesty.
Car Camping
A love song in nature. Opening with a nice steady drum piece followed swiftly by upbeat riffy guitar work. The joys of camping out in nature, away from the dirty city life. Not wanting to be alone but to share it with the one we love. Beautiful vocal key ranges, up and down in pace with bass and guitar work. Catchy little number with a deep bass line
Hey You
70’s rock style thought process opens this number. A song of the need for love and companionship. To be held and wanted by someone we see but haven’t yet made that step. More importantly the need to needed. To share the journey of life and to be “my little soul” even for the briefest of times. Good vocal exchanges here, back and forth from lead to backing, superb guitar riffs all the way through.
Maybe Something
A sad tune with potential to help and heall. The dark side of chemical/drug abuse. Unable to exist in a so called “normal world”. Trying to find that one thing to “wake” up a drug addled mind. Eventually finding solace in music. To me, this is a very personal song to the writer, where maybe he has been through the nightmare of substance abuse. And honest look into ourself, and grasping onto a slither of light to pull us out of the darkness. A strong message for those in need of help. There is always the chance that something will you pull you out of the mire. Musically quite heavy with twangy guitar chords and belting drum and bass lines.
Don’t know Why
The utter misery of mental health issues caught perfectly here. So many “conditions” to deal with by many people. Primarily here it would suggest anxiety is definitely in there in abundance. Having the opportunity to go to the “party” but frustratingly unable to do so, the constant tiredness of life and the feeling sommat ain’t quite right. Not knowing why these feeling exist. An impassioned song of desperately wanting to know the answers, at one point a small plea to something higher in the shape of the “holy mother”. Desperation indeed. Fast tempo song, fronted excellently by blistering guitar throughout.
Spaceman
A clever follow on from “Don’t know Why”. Seeking the serenity of being left alone to think, to empty the “shit” out of your mind, just wanna find some “space…………..man”. we often see on media how people who don’t understand mental health, will simply say “cheer up” or “just get on with it”. The lyric “can you feel an underlying mood, try to be happy just like we should” sums that train of thought perfectly. Not that easy folks. More of a rocky tune going in this track, with a bit of clever pedal use to give a trippy vibe on and off through the track. Nice high bass line too
Future Holiday
A somewhat topical track reminding us of control by the state. Not allowing ourselves to be the “minions” to a so-called higher order. The “future holiday” of being the sheep in the pen, herded masses succumbing to what many believe to be control and coercion. Starting off at a fast tempo, ripsaw guitar and compacted lyrics, then slowing right down in the middle, reminiscent of “The Who”, almost operatic feel of a pleading orator to sort ya shit out and not be taken in by the bullshit mongers. Musically very clever with hard hitting words.
Plastic Angels
Echoey guitar intro into cryptic lyrics. Some might see this as the patient on the ward, the “mannequins” we could become, being treated for the silent disease of the mind. Already dead inside, the “plastic angels” in the can. Electrodes to the head to subdue the pain and memories, becoming a “plastic” shell of the person we once were. Listening to the vocals on this, we hear the pleading to be saved from nightmares of life. Pink Floydy middle section briefly taking us into a muddled world of emptiness and longing.
Fever
Uplifting rocka/psychobilly start here, lovely crafted guitar rifts that immediately gets ya feet tapping. One of those tracks where you can read it different ways. Waiting for the “vampire in the dark” with “a real sharp bite”. Are we waiting for the “fever” to inevitably get to us, do we want it, or do we just accept the inevitable? Fever can be interpreted in many ways, a physical condition or one of the mind. Cryptic indeed but a cracking tune with sublime vocals and great instrumentals
System 10
Musical styles morphing together brilliantly, rock n rolly start merging seamlessly into ska/reggae. Lyrically strong reminder of a door with the number 10 hung on it. The factory of lies and deceit. The orders from above sending the bombers and taking lives. The fire in the sky. The longest track on the album, and the busiest. Mixing musical trends and distorted vocals to get across what we know, but need to be reminded of. Emotive and powerful song for the down trodden and vulnerable.
This is one of those albums that might be perceived as being melancholy due to the nature of the lyrics, yet when listened to ya get a sense of hope, a hope that we can pull together as one, and not as individuals. Catch tunes, quite frankly amazing musicians who have put there all into this debut album. Joe mentioned earlier that some of the songs had been put on the shelf, ready for now. In my opinion, well worth waiting for. If Cretin 77 are anything to go by, this is one of those I cannot wait to see live. Cheers.
Word: Johnny, Images: Band Media
Bandcamp: https://plasticangels1.bandcamp.com/
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