Plastic Palace Alice – The Great Depression

Plastic Palace Alice – The Great Depression

The Great Depression ‘ Plastic Palace Alice

BY CHRIS PEKEN

Making bold claims about reviving the art of the ‘album’ ‘ as opposed to the download/fileshare ‘ Melborne’s Plastic Palace Alice choose to boldly reference Bowie’s Hunky Dory, The Beatle’s White Album and The Beach Boys’ Pet Sounds for The Great Depression – ambitious indeed for a debut. Bowie is an obvious touch point, as the opening track Empire Falls sounds like the Thin White Duke fronting Arcade Fire ‘ albeit without the gravitas and drive of the later. In this department Plastic Palace Alice and producer Jonathan Burnside (Sleepy Jackson, The Melvins) have opted for a lighter pop approach when a little more drive might have benefited many of tunes. The orchestral arrangements shine on the beautiful pop of The Molly Cub and the quieter carnival lament 1934. Boldness should be rewarded, and Plastic Palace Alice should be watched closely.

*** ½
 

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