The 24 year old Aussie powerhouse’s project has been making waves in the prog metal community for a while now but his 3rd LP has really cemented his style of creating eccentric djent influenced rock music. At its core you’d think this style of music would be enhanced with vocal melodies to compensate for the bland, repetitive nature of prog metal but somehow Plini manages to make vibrant tones and intricate guitar lines which resonate beautifully.
Right from the get go, the opening track ‘Electric Sunrise’ has an almost euphoric sense of wonder and amazement, while still retaining a solid sense of progression. It all flows together smoothly and keeps you guessing what might pop up next. Bouncing up and down from heavy grooves to slightly jazzier interludes, it’s interesting to hear the drastic shifts in Plini’s repertoire.
On ‘Inhale’ the melancholic piano segments ornament perfectly over the almost improvisational feel of the guitar riffs. You’d expect this sort of thing in blues or jazz music and its incorporation into a heavier genre is welcomed. There are elements of post rock sprinkled into the mix but the main focus is on the ethereal and colourful synth sections. Like the majority of tracks on this record there’s a sincere feeling of optimism and triumph, helped by the fantastic production quality. You get a sense that a moment is rarely wasted, even with slightly longer, more drawn out sections.
In a rather touching move the track ‘Every Piece Matters’ was made available to download back in February as a fundraiser for the non-profit organisation Raw Impact, which help less fortunate families in Cambodia. It’s the shortest track on the album but still incorporates some great atmospheric parts over Plini’s guitar “voice”. The end features gorgeous choral vocals which are gospel-like with their euphoric delivery.
In a sea of dull, crescendo-heavy post rock bands, Plini do something very different and refreshing with their delivery. While the album might seem a tad repetitive in some instances, ‘Handmade Cities’ is a very well crafted prog record that pushes boundaries to create something sonically challenging and heartfelt. It’s well crafted enough to bring something solid to the table, and at the same time sustains an element of playfulness and open-ended interpretation. On top of that the album is very easy listening and accessible in the best way possible, making ‘Handmade Cities’ a must listen for prog fanatics and newbies alike.
ASHWIN BHANDARI