PLASTIC ACT - Now! 7"

Plastic Act’s sophomore effort shows band leader (and follower) Josh Herlihey channeling at least as much Velvet Underground as it does the Ork Records catalogue. With one foot in DIY and the other in early 1970s nostalgia, the final result is something you've almost heard on a compilation of NY underbelly rock. Coupled with ace design (also by Herlihey), what we're left with is an EP specifically designed to turn heads.

A-side “Everywhere I Go” playfully bounces along without stopping to check if you’re following along. The clean guitar driven through what could only be a Silvertone 1484 is unmistakable. It’s playful, it’s tuneful, and you’re going to hit play as soon as it’s over. Is that a saxophone I hear? Maybe New York is alright after all. Err, Montreal, I mean.

The credits are a who’s who of Canadian musicians - recorded and mixed by Adrian Popovich (Death From Above 1979), and mastered by Dave Forcier (Civic). Moving slightly away from the solo project concept of the debut EP from 2023, Herlihey enlists Drew Demers (Priors, Famines) on drums, with help from Chance Hutchison (Sonic Avenues, Private Lives) on vocals. It’s 2025. It’s time to act plastic.

Patrick McEachnie (Chain Whip, Pack Rat, Hosehead Records)