Since giving us teasers in the form of "After You" and "September Second", Brooklyn-based Plastic Picnic has released their newest EP Vistalite. Encompassing a heavenly sound as soft as a summer's breeze, the hazy sounds evoke the deepest of sensations, especially seen in the compilation. Spanning retro-synth undertones and imbued with mature whimsicality, Plastic Picnic outdo themselves in Vistalite, delivering a soft-spoken curation of mellifluous reveries.
In light of the release, Plastic Picnic has exclusively shared with EARMILK a track-by-track breakdown of Vistalite, explaining the influences and meaning behind each track.
"Two Bridges"
The album opens with the line, "It’s nine AM, again. Three red circles to dissipate the sting, again." It’s a song about depression, anxiety and therapy. While it focuses on a failing relationship, it’s ultimately about the very real struggle to get help instead of wallowing in artistic expression.
"After You"
Shifting into our more synthy, upbeat side, "After You" is about the vertigo that accompanies change. "Every turn you’re leaning off the road, such a wild view below." We wanted to capture the exhilaration of leaning over the precipice of uncertainty.
"September Second"
"September Second" is probably the most straight ahead rock song on the album. It’s about a split second in September, reflecting on the bittersweet end of a beautiful relationship just as summer fades away.
"Vistalite"
"Vistalite" is a groove heavy song, with thick bass and a lot of percussion layers. We wanted to channel a more R&B style. Like the rest of the album, it's deceptively upbeat.
"Cradles"
"Cradles" is about a friend who died from an overdose. It’s a restrained song, holding back on the choruses until the outro when Emile sings, "All the kids you know, they’re watching you go. They’re sleeping alone in the dark again." Lyrically, it’s very raw and we wanted to keep the instrumentals from getting in the way.
"Juno Loves You"
The final song on the album (unless you’re listening on vinyl) opens with a dreamy synth arp. It’s about trying to get better but stumbling along the way. "I’m still falling backwards on my heels."
"Golden Days (Vinyl)"
For those listening on vinyl, we included a secret track, "Golden Days." It’s a tender, almost lullaby-like song about acceptance. There's an intimacy to it that feels like a perfect farewell to the listener.
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Photo credit: Jake Hanson
