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Antwerp post-punks Plexi Stad have been on our radar since sending us a copy of their debut EP Probation Baby last year. Shortly after its release, word quickly circulated around the band's bracing and on-target attacks of shattering rhythms and choppy bursts of staccato noise and they later found themselves on the same bill as Sydney mutant punks Gee Tee. The band recently returned with the new EP Siren Dance that expands upon their blisteringly loud and no-holds-barred angular extravagance, recalling Gang of Four, Josef K, Ork Records-era Feelies, and the sheer post-punk side of The Vapors. We recently chatted with the band via email all about the new EP, how each member discovered their own distinctive role, and the bulk of material the band is currently sitting on.
What have you been listening to, reading, watching, or spending a lot of time doing?
Rounding up our semester in art school, exploring the city. Bjorn's been losing himself to Camus. Daan has been watching Lanthymos and listening to The Drin, Wolf's been on a spa retreat and Sean’s growing out his chili peppers.
What has the journey been like so far as a band and how do you think you've all grown musically together?
By playing more live shows we've gotten more in touch with the live circuit. Everyone has found their distinctive role which makes rehearsals more lubricated and spontaneous. We’re not aiming towards any formula.
How has it been navigating the Belgium punk scene over the last couple of years? Is the scene expanding? What's the energy been like at your recent live shows?
The Belgian scene remains only a handful. We've noticed more anticipation across the border. International bands keep passing through the city and leave an imprint. The locals appear curious and new acts sprout out of these impressions.
I remember last summer you guys played with Gee Tee and Satanic Togas at Antwerp Music City. What was that like?
This was a fun show. There was a strong connection with both bands. Their first impressions of the venue were doubtful, but both brought a great show. We remember it as a sweaty night where we thought Gee Tee's singer Kel [Mason] was a roadie until he put his mask on.
What can you tell me about the making of your latest EP Siren Dance and how it expands upon last year's debut EP?
We were rehearsing some new songs for a show in Rotterdam. After that show we drove back to Roald’s studio, Stand Out Studio, where we recorded the entire EP over the weekend. We wanted to break the novelty surrounding Probation Baby and followed our musical language which appeared to shift towards a more angular sound.
Let's dive into the four tracks here. What can you say about the title track? Also how did its music video come about?
We made demos for Siren Dance with a drum machine and translated this belt-work rhythm to a live setting. While were rehearsing at Wolf's place we got approached by the downstairs neighbor who happened to be videographer Bjorn Tagemose, and proposed to shoot a video for Plexi Stad. After the recordings we shot the clip for the title track with our collective ALAS! In the office of an abandoned Ford garage, where we simultaneously rehearsed at the time.
How did the track "Stand-by (Stuck On)" come together?
Sean dreamt of a stray cat committing suicide in funky town. We tried writing a love ballad, at least we tried.
The closing cut "Returning" is my favorite tune from the EP. How did this one come about?
We were supposed to write a cover of "I Wanna Be Your Dog" for Visual artist Dennis Tyfus and started drifting off to a song of our own. We've heard people say it's about returning to our first EP. That's clever.
Are these pairs of EPs leading to a full-length LP? If so, has there been much reach to any of the labels in Europe or the USA?
We are sitting on a lot of new material but still have to make out in which format these will release themselves. We're still opting between Sony or Universal Studios.
What else can fans expect from Plexi Stad later this year?
More live-shows, less commitment, and our best single so far should be due around Christmas of this year.
Siren Dance is out now on Mangel Records.