Talk Talk、Blue Nile、Spandau Balletあたりがお好きな方にオススメの現行シンセ・ポップ～ニュー・ロマンティック・デュオ！

Plastic Estateは、イギリス・ウェールズを拠点に活動するシンセポップのデュオ。洗練された雰囲気と華やかなサウンドが特徴で、彼らの音楽はロマンティックで心を惹きつける。

これまでにDuran DuranのSimon Le BonやKEXP、BBC Radioからも支持を受け、LA PriestやHome Counties、Real Liesらと共にソールドアウトのライヴを実現。また、Ritual UnionやSŵn Festivalといった大規模フェスにも出演し、多くのファンを魅了してきた。

Avant! Recordsからのリリースに続き、2作目となるアルバムを発表。BBC Radio Walesの「Welsh A-List」に選ばれるなど、新作はすでに高い評価を受けている。このアルバムでは、彼らの音楽が新たな領域へ進化。これまでのダークな音作りから離れ、西海岸サウンドの“ハイファイな贅沢さ”や2010年代のChillwaveの光沢感を取り入れた、より洗練されたスタイルを確立している。

『Code d’Amour』は、現代のポップミュージックの意味を問いかける作品だ。長い間、ポップはメロディーやハーモニー、感情を象徴してきたが、近年は世界の荒々しさを反映するかのように、よりネガティブな感情が目立つ。しかし、音楽の役割はコミュニティをつなぎ、良い時間を共有することでもある。もしそんなサウンドを求めているなら、Plastic Estateの新作はまさにぴったりだ。

A1        Kind of Love    3:20
A2        Open Eyes    4:33
A3        Feeling Like Ours    4:27
A4        Stay    4:51
A5        Meet You There    3:58
B1        Anymore    4:26
B2        Speak to Me    3:37
B3        2000 Ways    4:26
B4        Tonight    4:25
B5        Helping Hand    4:28

Plastic Estate is a contemporary synth-pop act from Wales, UK.

With an onus placed on atmosphere and refinement, the duo evoke a rich palette of romance and lustre with their polished marque of pop music.

They have garnered support from the likes of Simon Le Bon of Duran Duran, KEXP and BBC Radio, and played sold-out shows with the likes of LA Priest, Home Counties, and Real Lies, as well as playing at large regional festivals like Ritual Union and Sŵn Festival.

Having previously released a 7” and LP with Avant! Records, they are now releasing their second album on 11th October with new tracks gaining critical acclaim being added to BBC Radio Wales’s ‘Welsh A-List’.
Their sophomore album hails a new era for the act; moving away from darker sonic roots, their sound has progressed to a brighter, more polished aesthetic with fresh influences from the ‘Hi-Fi luxury’ of West Coast Sound, and the gloss of 2010s Chillwave.

What’s more, ‘Code d’Amour’ makes you wonder: What is Pop today?

For many years it has been synonymous with melody, harmony and emotions. These days it seems to be still about emotions but not very good ones, probably because the world is as ugly as it’s ever been, have you noticed?

But what about the fundamental role of popular music which is to represent and at the same time to celebrate and enforce the ties of social living? What about the good times?

Yes, there is a lot to be changed and to fight for but good vibes are not just for recreational use, they can literally build a sense of community among people. If you are looking for that kind of sound right now, you should look no further.

FFO: Talk Talk, Blue Nile, Spandau Ballet, Ian Broudie’s Care, Small Black, Alan Palomo of Neon Indian, Wild Nothing.