This is Plaaydoh’s third release – their second EP – all of which have been on the innovative Glasgow label Winning Sperm Party. In what may be considered a strange move by such a fresh, young band with an extensive catalogue of songs at their disposal, they have chosen to cover songs by four other bands on the Winning Sperm Party roster.
However, it’s brilliant move! For a start, the four bands in question are all class acts in their own right. Grozny, Triple School, Dirty Summer and Orzelda between them cover all bases as far as eclectic indie music goes and so this EP is varied in both mood and content.
Opening track ‘Camp Carnival’ is one and a half minutes of upbeat frivolous hooky pop, with Alison shouting over bouncy synths and pounding bass. Reminiscent of The Go Team, it is sure to be a sure club night floor-filler.
‘Cambodia’ is a song by Glasgow noiseniks, Grozny. Although I have seen them play several times, I can’t specifically recall this particular track. However, it surely wont sound like this Plaaydoh cover! This version is distinctly lo-fi and until advised to the contrary, would have passed as a Plaaydoh original, with all their trademark simple keys and bass overlaid by yelped, chanted vocals.
Whereas the first track ‘Camp Carnival’ was light and airy, the cover of Orzelda’s ‘Valentina’ is dark and sinister. The contrast between the two songs could not be greater and while there is still a definite PLAAYDOH signature evident, it differs to anything else the band has so far produced and shows a rapidly maturing versatility.
Final track ‘Slayer’ is a Triple School number. Weirdly, this version – with the prominent bass and more subdued, almost Native American Indian feel to the vocals – provokes comparison to very early Sons and Daughters in their darker moments. (Sons and Daughters and Plaaydoh similar? Tell me I’m not losing it?)
Four songs, each with a distinctly different feel to the other, each one tremendous. And while there is no mistaking this is a Plaaydoh recording, these songs all have a more rounded sound to them than previous recordings by the band. There is a more relaxed feel to their playing, though that is not to say that the songs lack the usual energy and quirkiness.
If there were any doubters out there who considered Plaaydoh to be one-trick ponies, then this EP will surely set the record straight. It also serves the dual purpose of alerting listeners to the talents of the four other bands. (Make that the triple purpose, for Winning Sperm Party are due much kudos for assembling and promoting such quality bands.)
(Only 100 hard copies have been made available for purchase at the shows of Plaaydoh and other Winning Sperm Party bands’ shows. However, the good news is that all four tracks may be downloaded free of charge from www.winningspermparty.com/plaaydoh.)
//Colin Jackson