Plastic Tears have been around the block for a while and have the bruises to show for it.  They’ve seen plenty of Spinal Tap-like lineup changes throughout that time and have sort of poked at being able to play with the big boys and finally on ‘Anthems’ they might just have arrived at their rightful destination.

It’s fair to say the genre of sleazy Rock n roll is one littered with wannabes and bands who’ve been chewed up and spat out along the road and very few have the longevity to wear those battle scars with pride and most importantly have the chops on their records (which is where it really matters)   you can have a scarf on your mic-stand or smoke a lucky strike no filter out of the corner of your mouth but if you can’t carry a tune then forget about it right Dave? Right.

This isn’t Plastic Tears first outing but its head and shoulders their best.  Finally, after much lineup shifting they’ve hit upon a stable (hopefully) line up that has the chops to carry the tunes.  Miqu can be proud of the band he fronts on this lockdown load as the songs are present and correct and finally have their own identity in a crowded field as they can now jostle with their head held high towards the front and centre of the punk n roll scene with enough swagger and confidence in these songs that’s authentic and to be fair pretty bloody good.  Listen there’s no reinventing the band or anything they’re still a sleazy Punk n Roll outfit but now I think its fair to say they seem really comfortable with the music and the addition of the piano is most welcome and right from the off ‘Doomsday Girl’ is a statement of intent and a rollicking good time it is too.

‘They stay on the tempo of the opener with ‘Riot Zone’ and just ride the wave of energy they’re oozing from the speakers.  It’s the arrangments that hit me first and I like the breakdown sure its Hanoi inspired but if you’re being influenced by anyone then it might as well be the best.

‘Clash In The Night’ is the first sidestep as the acoustics come out for a campfire intro but the mid-paced breakout is good and again the subtle organ is a great bit of texture and plays well off the vocals which are really good.  I think its when the band aren’t trying too hard the music seems effortless and the songs carry them home. Again the video gives a taste of ‘Look Of Lies’ which has an air of familiarity but is bright and breezy and shows off a great arrangement and a really nice job on the production that also helps raise the record from the pack.

‘Hallucinations’ is a dreamy jazzy number, again, inspired by Finlands finest and the fact the band are brave enough to venture outside of the big ballsy loud guitars shows the confidence I mentioned, and I like the melody and backing vocals and the fact they can lay back on the solo and use the old adage that sometimes less is more which really works. Cool track.

With twelve tracks on offer and some decently varied tempos, I believe Plastic Tears can be extremely proud of their latest offering its a really enjoyable record where everyone plays their part and the band is the sum of those parts and it works really well and you can also hear that these will work really well live as well. The lyrical matter isn’t all sex drugs and Rock and Roll either which is good for lastability and not just an instant fix.  ‘Candlelight Hate Affair’ is another of the albums stronger songs and it’s a great mid-tempo before the final fling when the band come out swinging before bowing out on ‘Communication’ with its great bass rumble. Taking the album home is ‘Imaginary Virgin Mary’ that signs off with that stamp of confidence.

A really enjoyable record that covers all punk rock and roll bases and some.  Plastic Tears are here and they’re going nowhere and ‘Anthems For Misfits’ is a chest puffed out – fist in the air Rock and Roll record that they can be extremely proud of and one misfits everywhere can enjoy – It’s only rock and Roll but I Like It!

Buy ‘Anthems For Misfits’ Here

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Author: Dom Daley