Australia's music scene is quite a diverse bunch, with the likes of rock veterans such as ACDC and Armoured Angel to metalcore heavy hitters like Parkway Drive and The Amity Affliction. However, in between all this lies Sydney's own independent artist known as Plini. From humble beginnings writing, producing and mixing his music in his Sydney bedroom, to sharing the stage world wide with Progressive Metal giants Animals As Leaders and Aaron Marshall's INTERVALS. Plini's fusion of progressive rock/metal and the combination of jazz style leads has earned him high praise throughout the progressive metal scene, even earning praise from guitar legend Steve Vai who said "Handmade Cities is one of the finest, forward thinking, melodic, rhythmically and harmonically deep, evolution of rock/metal instrumental guitar records I have ever heard. I’ve been waiting for stuff like this and here it is. I highly recommend checking it out for a bit of a mindblowing experience." In March 2013 Plini's first EP entitled 'Other Things' was released. Other Things was the first in a three part trilogy EP with Sweet Nothings (Part 2) releasing in October of 2013, and the highly anticipated conculsion 'The End Of Everything' releasing in March of 2015. The End Of Everything the first EP with 'real drums' as the previous EP's featured 'programmed' drums done by Plini himself, using Superior Drummer. The addition of 'real' drums is a very much welcome one, as there is incredible drum work to be heard throughout this EP, courtesy of the amazing Marco Minnemann whose previous contributions include; Joe Satriani, The Aristocrats and Steven Wilson.
The title track opens with a blistering roar, calling back to lead guitar theme heard in Plini's previous EP efforts. The End Of Everything is then dialled back reminiscent of the peaceful and soothing sounds found on 2013's Other Things. Marco Minneman's drum track is one of the standouts of the opening track, his infectious grooves and precise drumming add another layer to Plini's already detailed soundscape.Wombat Astronaut (Beyond The Burrow) is the second track, and those who are familiar with Plini's previous efforts already know what to expect; blissful melodies, diverse dynamics, complex arrangements and brilliant soundscapes that paint a beautiful picture throughout the EP, however it is the second last track (Wombat Astronaut) that is the epitome of Plini's writing. the four minute and 24 second track wastes no time as its graceful intro smoothly transitions into the groovy soundscape that is the first verse. The listener is then greeted by Plini's distinct jazz style shredding with an opening and ending phrase that is sure to get stuck in the listener's head. Wombat Astronaut loses a bit of momentum in the following section but is gracefully brought back by a beautiful piano section, played by the extremely talented Luke Martin. Here the song slowly draws to a close as Plini's beautiful chord progression intertwines with the piano melody, creating a soundscape that slowly fades into the final chord. 'Paper Moon' is the final track on the EP, clocking in at 8 minutes and 34 seconds and is a progressive metal dream. Highlighting Plini's ability to create something dynamic and aggressive. However a highlight of the song is the more clean middle section. The guitar solo is packed full of emotion and intensity as the recurring intro theme is played and the EP comes to a close. Plini's 'The End Of Everything' is a fantastic conclusion to the three part trilogy as it is a prime example of his incredible talent and creative wonder.
