Plastic Heart’s brand-new single, “Tension,” spills with atmosphere from its very outset. The track opens up with bars of reverbed and distorted guitar that just seem to hang suspended in the air until the beat kicks in through the drumming, a ripple of anticipation echoes throughout the song. There’s something undeniably magnetic about it that drags listeners deep into a late-night world where emotions run high and a connection between two people can almost feel electric.
The band, from Greater Manchester, isn’t unaccustomed to darkly charismatic soundscapes, but there’s just something about the song “Tension” that feels like a real turning point. Penned during a period of lineup changeovers and creative shaking up for the group, the track really captures that raw, unfiltered energy.
“Tension” brings together lead vocalist Naomi Schofield and lead guitarist Zak Hadfield, an explosive chemistry. Naomi’s voice is little short of achingly beautiful; she possesses one of those very few talents that channels all the intensity and fragility in equal measure with every note into an unblinking gaze. Here, her voice is not only singing the lyrics but giving life as she builds up an almost palpable sense of tension, which, provocatively, acts out the song’s theme.
Zak’s playing is the perfect counterbalance; his riffs cut through with precision and passion. This creative partnership of the two is peculiar unto itself—a sonic force to be recognized.
Thematically, “Tension” speaks directly to the desirability of that cinematic feel associated with a passionate encounter, almost magnetic in nature. Intimate yet universal, the feeling of the lyrics here is of qualities we will inherit from longing and contact. Sultry awakens the track and makes it one you’d crank on a night drive with the windows down, city lights flickering by as the world feels alive with possibilities.
But what really elevates “Tension,” though, is the production helmed by Manchester-based producer Andy Gannon, a guy who’s worked with everybody from Robbie Williams to the Courteeners. It feels big, bold, and main stage-ready; Gannon’s touch gives the song a polished, gritty sheen that fits alternative rock roots, with it being abundantly clear that he has helped them capture their most anthemic sound to date.
Lead vocalist Naomi is supported by her talented group: Zak, who leads vocals and lead guitar; Matthew Seddon on rhythm guitar; Ollie Hand on bass; and Darcey Jones on drums. The five-piece in total have grown a dynamic, full-bodied sound that is as mighty as it is raw with emotion. Each of its members adds flavor to the track, layering “Tension” so thick that it will not feel like a single, but one complete experience.
Of course, all the buzz is going on about Plastic Heart, since they’re one of the up-and-coming bands. With “Tension,” they manage to cut a track that shows their ability to tap into something visceral and real. It’s the kind of song where you desperately wish there was more; that kind of statement, as bold as any would be coming from a band ready to take it past the local circuit. And with Sam Gosling from Stylish Riot at the helm as their manager, steering them toward bigger things, and sound this impressive, it is only a matter of time before Plastic Heart becomes the name on all our lips. “Tension” is just the beginning. So go ahead, crank up the volume, let the music take over, and get ready for what is next from this electrifying band.
You can find more of Plastic Heart at:
You can listen to ‘Tension’ below:
Karen Harding is a Melbourne, Australia based singer/songwriter, founder of Sounds On The Couch, and founder and operator of boutique music PR service for emerging and independent artists, Rise Indie.