Sparse and ephemeral Plantagenet 3’s blink and you’ll miss it 7″ ‘The Darkening Green’ mixes minimalist electronica, surf rock and spagetthi western, creating a sound that is as weird and idiosyncratic as you’re likely to find in a market crammed full of dirgeful indie. Though some may be frightened off by their love of instrumental music, trembling at the thought of no vocal melody, Plantagenet 3’s cinematic attention to mood, drama and scope grabs your attention immediately, immersing the listener in a cacophony of dark tones and electric fuzz.
Taking their cues more from cinematic scores than club beats, there is an unrelentingly cool edge to ‘The Darkening Green’. Plantagenet 3 masterfully blend ideas that really shouldn’t work, but somehow come together to create a slick and stylish release. Over all too soon, ‘The Darkening Green’ is a competent continuation of the band’s previous output, but hints at a change to come. ‘Angels over Peckham Rye’ touches upon post-rock, potentially a direction Plantagenet 3 may move towards.
As a band they are certainly out of the ordinary, not one for those who are looking for melody and a care free attitude. They have carved out a sound that is bound to be devisive, not necessarily easy to wrap your head around at first, but one that comes with many musical rewards. So clear yourself of any musical preconceptions, sit back and relax as Plantagenet 3 nudges you towards a more expansive and exploratory way of making music.
CLARA CULLEN