Plastique: Florida Man Reveals New Album
After a hiatus of five years, Florida Man is making a triumphant return with the announcement of their third album, “Plastique,” set to hit the airwaves on April 4th through The Ghost Is Clear Records. The album comes on the heels of their recent single “El Rey” and introduces fans to the industrial-infused, post-hardcore/punk crossover single “Dot Gov,” which is currently available for viewing and streaming.
“Dot Gov” kicks off with an ominous, glitch-filled intro that swiftly transitions into a raw, high-energy punk anthem. The song’s science fiction-inspired lyrics delve into themes of artificial intelligence-driven chaos and the downfall of a dystopian authoritarian regime. Lead vocalist Jim O’Connor’s impassioned delivery pierces through the track’s robust rhythms and layered electronic elements.
As the song progresses, it effortlessly transitions into a softer, percussive interlude before building up to a climactic, slow-tempo conclusion filled with controlled pandemonium. The accompanying music video captures the band’s dynamic performance through a nostalgic Y2K lens, complete with retro computer glitches and visuals.
Formed in 2017, Florida Man made a splash with their self-titled debut album that garnered a devoted following in the southeastern United States. Their second release, “Tropical Depression” in 2019, received critical acclaim from notable publications like Revolver, NPR, and BrooklynVegan. With “Plastique,” the band continues to evolve by blending razor-sharp guitar riffs, gritty basslines, and intense vocals with new layers of electronic experimentation, intricate percussion arrangements, and infectious chorus hooks. The album features nine tracks, all mixed by Taylor Young at The Pit Recording Studio.
The recording of “Plastique” was a geographically dispersed endeavor, with different elements captured in various locations: drums and bass were recorded in Charleston at Coast Records with Matt Zutell, guitars were laid down in Clinton, CT at The Radar Studio with Will Benoit, and vocals were self-recorded at a cabin in the woods of St. Matthews, SC. The album was mastered by Nick Townsend at Infrasonic Sound, and the striking artwork was created by Little Snake.
Andrew Barnes, responsible for guitar, keys, samples, and vocals, explains the concept behind the album’s title: “We felt like the various definitions of the word plastique represented the sound in many different ways – it’s aggressive and explosive, but also sleeker, shinier, and more graceful than our previous music.” “Plastique” is currently available for pre-order on vinyl through The Ghost Is Clear Records.
The band lineup consists of Andrew Barnes, CJ DeLuca, Jim O’Connor, and Jonathan Peace, all of whom contribute their unique talents to shape the distinctive sound of Florida Man.