Plantoid - The Grand Social (Ballroom)

I first caught Brighton’s Plantoid 12 months ago, closing out The Cellar in The Workman’s Club, peeling the wallpaper off the walls at 2 in the morning, shredding tracks like Pressure from their superb debut, Terrapath. 

On this occasion, they’re touring the spanking new FLARE album. ‘Parasite’ begins both that album and tonight’s show. It makes for an arresting start. The opening bars are full-on prog rock, with drums and guitar weaving their complicated dance, informing the crowd this will be no ordinary gig. The next passage yields to Chloe Spence’s dazzling vocals, which play a much bigger role on their sophomore album. Perhaps their stage set-up is informed by this new focus. Chloe stands centre stage with the rest of the group aligning in a tight semi-circle. At times, she gives off Michael Gira (Swans) vibes with her positive stage direction, the band reacting instantly to subtle nods and gestures. ‘Ultimatum Cultivation’ & ‘The Weaver’ follow the album running order before the first of only two from the debut, ‘Dog’s Life’ (‘Wander/Wonder’ appears later). The next is an unreleased track, an instrumental with a jazzier M.O. ‘Good For You’ was an album highlight and showstopper in the flesh. ‘Daisy Chains’ is immense and closes out the stunning set. It’s the perfect realisation of harnessing Spence’s vocal acumen, blending with a superbly talented band. Bowled over, Rachel from telekura (who were on support duties) remarks, ‘they’re so tight’ while I, of course, nod in agreement.