Soft Plastics
5 Dreams
(Paper Bag Records)
4/5
It feels like it was just yesterday that the once-Victoria-based indie rockers Frog Eyes announced that the release of their eighth LP, 2018’s Violet Psalms, would be paired with a farewell tour. Months later, frontman Carey Mercer was back at it, writing what would become tracks on 5 Dreams, the debut album from his new band, Soft Plastics.
Playing alongside Mercer are former Frog Eyes members Mel Campbell on drums and Shyla Seller on synth and piano. Despite the familiar lineup, Soft Plastics definitely has a new sound. 5 Dreams is more danceable than Frog Eyes’ last effort, which is noticeable from the outset on “St Tosh the Actor” and continues throughout. Mercer’s vocals are somehow even more theatrical than usual, stylistically comparable to a young Hawksley Workman with the melodic hints of Mr. Bungle’s Mike Patton.
It takes a few spins to grow on the listener, but 5 Dreams is a really good album. Complex yet understated, it hooks the listener with beats, synth, and catchy melodies that somehow keep everyone wondering what’s next.