Review Summary: Now I'm macrodosing.
Despite all the bells and whistles in music production these days that allow artists to sound louder, heavier, and fuller, it’s nice when a group comes along that exudes a sort of intangible energy and charisma you can feel absent any dressings in post. PLAIINS, while having the distinction of being the most British-sounding band hailing from Germany, *exudes* heavily with their debut
Happy Faces. Fans of IDLES or Turnstile will notice the similarities immediately, as PLAIINS imbues the stylings of the former with the sunny energy of the latter. Post-punk rarely delves into such upbeat and irreverent waters for fear of losing its aloof nature but
Happy Faces shows there’s certainly precedent for more exploration.
This goofy veneer permeates every facet of
Happy Faces while enhancing its best aspects, namely the gonzo riffs and silly lyrics. Chris Reardon’s vocals are given free reign throughout these tracks, a freedom he utilizes liberally. Along with songs on working at Amazon, toxic positivity, and extreme sports fandom, Reardon’s delivery modulates frequently and impresses at every turn. This stylistic choice gains a lot from the straightforwardness of the lyrics, which are refreshing in both their contemporary themes and relatability. However,
Happy Faces is a guitar record through and through, and it’s their buzzy punch that enable the vocals’ success throughout the album. Much of the aforementioned confidence the band possesses is presented through
Happy Faces’ supremely groovy riffs in songs like “Be More Animal” “Row She Said” and album highlight “Do One.”
“Do One” in particular stands as the definitive apex of the album. Fierce riffage coasts alongside a witty skewering of the commoditization of the music industry, made even better considering how
Happy Faces follows none of the tropes the song pokes at.
Happy Faces is peppered with many such zany witticisms, which along with its loud and distinctive guitar rhythms and leads makes the album a joy to listen to. The influences PLAIINS claim are clear as day (I forgot how the Hives really sounded until the chorus of Sports Bar kicked in) but never feel contrived.
Happy Faces is a unique product made of familiar elements. At 14 tracks, the album does run a tad long but the potency of its energy and the light-hearted nature of its wildly catchy guitars show that this take on post-punk, if it can be called that, is a keeper.
