Crashing in from Philadelphia is the psychedelic alternative-pop band Plant Sounds with their new homage to past sounds, a 10-track album entitled 'Party On // Hari Om.'
The Philly-based 6-piece comprises Joshua Bright on vocals/guitar, guitarist Levan Danilov, Luke Blasko on Bass, drummer Wesley Paul, and Eric Cifone on percussion. Their unique, raw, and organic psychedelic sounds paired with a modern production twist are something to notice.
More recently, Plant Sounds wanted to delve into old-timey, the 60s/70s sounds, but with their familiar adventures production in a new album, 'Party On // Hari Om.' The dynamic record was created alongside Plant Sounds' new classically trained multi-instrumentalist & producer, Giuseppe Di Cristino.
The new album starts with the dreamy and ethereal introductory track, "Black Sea of Trees," opening with the smoothest synths that float into a chilling alternative instrumental. As Bright beings to share his warm and melodic vocals, he brings this overall lighthearted and passionate feel perfectly supported by the fluid instrumentals. In addition, a few unique breakdowns and transitions help us better understand Plant Sounds' versatile stylings.
Moving onto the album's second and title track, "Party On // Hari Om," this bright and exciting tune peels open with a celebratory vibe that prepares us for happy hour. Plant Sounds has a special way of painting distinct images and scenes through their sound and tone, especially in this beachy and tropical hit. We appreciate this track's warm brass and organic instrumentals; Plant Sounds only took two songs to showcase such different sounds and styles.
Landing on the third track, "She Don't (Bunny Boiler)," this playful and energetic track turns up the alternative rock energy with punchy electric guitars, a thumping brass section, the sleekest percussion, and Bright's charming vocals. It's quite the heavy-hitter, and we love the sense of urgency and drive that Plant Sounds brings to the table. We also adore the mysterious and sensual tone; it creates a truly invigorating and alluring listening experience.
Reaching the album's fifth song and halfway point, "Bye Bye Birdy," Plant Sounds takes us back to swinging 60s tunes with this Beatles-esque piece. That said, there's a tropical and dreamy modern twist with hazy background synths, but the simplistic nature and nostalgic instrumentals bring comforting sounds of the past. It's a poised mid-tempo tune that uses a sweet bird to symbolize someone special and wishes for them to return to the nest with their hazel eyes and glimmering smile.
Onto the album's second half, with track number six, "Hawaii 66," Plant Sounds blast off into a heavy, yet dreamy alternative instrumental backed with a mystical psychedelic undertone. The band brings us into Hawaii's beautiful and lush lands in 1966 with a gleaming contemporary spin through zappy synths and twinkling keys. The rhythmic background vocals give this song a wholesome feel, similar to the experience shared on the big island.
The seventh track, "Banned In America (feat. Harlan Silverman)," jumps up the energy, which bursts through our speakers with big mid-tempo drums, tight guitars, a groovy bassline, and Bright's charismatic vocals. This song is so catchy and anthemic; it invites all listeners to sing along to Bright's chant-worthy lyrics on the hook about being banned in America and living life on the wild side. We adore this toe-tapping tune; it's the perfect playful summer vibe to spice up your days.
Onto the eighth track, "The Bright House," Plant Sounds slow things down with their smooth and psychedelic alternative sounds that gracefully float through our speakers. Bright takes on more of a feel-good and inspirational tone with this track, singing of being a can of dreams and hoping he'll reach presidential status if people can see who he truly is. The swaying instrumentals chill the spine with lush sounds that carry us to the outro on a melodic cloud.
Turning up the grit is the ninth track, "1990-99," opening with a heavy downtempo instrumental that hits us with punchy folk-rock and a dash of mysterious alternative. It's worth noting that Bright's vocals ring similar to those of Matt Shultz, oozing with emotion, airy tones, and overall gripping nature. This song is no exception; it's fascinating how the band's sound evolves throughout it—starting with a heavy foot-stomper leading into a glimmering alternative and eventually scratchy old-school hip-hop.
Onto the album's tenth and final track, "Happily Ever After (feat. Ang Bocca)," Plant Sounds spin us into an ethereal and psychedelic web with serene guitars and Bright's gentle vocals. We love adding classical elements like a soothing string section and Ang Bocca's heavenly, delicate vocals that float down from above. We also appreciate the many unique transitions, like a tropical guitar solo and a choir-esque vocal ensemble that serenades us into happily ever after.
We encourage you to drift into the versatile psychedelic stylings of Philly-based 6-piece Plant Sounds with their stunning sophomore album, 'Party On // Hari Om,' now available on all digital streaming platforms.
Welcome to BuzzMusic, Plant Sounds. We admire the versatile and dynamic listening experience you've brought to your new album, 'Party On // Hari Om.' When did you begin creating the project, and how long did that process take? Joshua Bright (Vocals/Producer): We started tracking in April of 2021, and it took exactly 10 months to finish up at our home studios in LA & Philadelphia.
Why did you want to delve into past 60s/70s sounds with your new album, 'Party On // Hari Om'? What inspired this creative approach?
Luke (Bass): We are huge fans of psychedelic rock and wanted to bring a sort of revival to the Genre. We strive to make music that WE want to listen to ourselves! Levan Danilov (Guitars): That’s the birth of Plant Sounds because of the love of Syd Barrett, Pink Floyd, Lou Reed, Velvet Underground, Joe Meek, Beach Boys, The Doors, Bossa Nova and Steve Cropper’s riffs etc. Wesley Paul (Drums): John Densmore of The Doors is a favourite drummer of mine. He makes his small kit sound like a huge explosion with intense and perfect rolls. It's truly unbelievable! I love that time in music. So this was a no-brainer for me. Eric Cifone (Percussion): I feel it was natural for us to harness that 60's 70's vibe since we all have alot of influences from that time. A big influence for me was Lee Scratch Perry and the dub/reggae mood. I appreciate the space and atmosphere they create and try incorporating that into my playing.
Joshua Bright: I always wanted to be Brian Wilson. How did you build and create the songs for 'Party On // Hari Om?' What does your studio process look like? Joshua Bright: Each song usually starts with Levan playing a chord progression on guitar, where I start freestyling vocals from the top of my head.. we usually have a new song within minutes of sitting down together to write. That’s how we wrote the first album, and that’s how we got 7 out of 10 songs on “PO//HO” - Then we lay down scratch tracks and built from there. It’s an entirely organic process. Giuseppe DiCristino (synths/producer): I remember deciding to participate in the project. Levan was strumming on his acoustic, and Joshua was improving Vox so profoundly that I magically floated to my piano and started playing the melody for “Black Sea of Trees. This same process happened the next day for “Bye Bye Birdy.” 'Party on // Hari Om' started on a synth bass loop I made, then Levan jumped on with the chord progression and then Joshua blew my mind with the lyrics he improved immediately after.
Luke: Having our own studios makes putting these songs together like a party with your brothers. Wesley Paul: Joshua & Levan start with their guitar parts, vocal melodies, and structure. Then we go over drums & percussion with myself and Eric. We experiment with many beats, sounds, and instruments until it fits our liking. Did you face any personal or physical obstacles when creating the album 'Party On // Hari Om?' What was the most challenging part for you? Joshua Bright: My most challenging part was living bicoastal and dealing with a long-distance relationship throughout those writing sessions. I used those initial sessions with Levan & Giuseppe to let my emotions run free.. that’s the beauty of our writing style. I never know what I will say, but I always mean it. Levan: The nightlife opened in 2021 after staying in every day in 2020. Going out and being around people was tempting, especially for me.
Wesley Paul: Having two studios, one on each coast, has its challenges. Sometimes the flow can be interrupted a bit, but it's nothing we can't handle. All of us were determined to make this album, so we did! Giuseppe DiCristino: Working in three studios to record an album might sound fun... But, our Love for the music and perseverance worked it all out. What do you want your audience to experience when listening to 'Party On // Hari Om?' Do you hope they find songs and themes they can relate to? Giuseppe DiCristino: I’d like the audience to feel out of body/mind and experience something spiritual and fun. Levan: For them to experience bliss. Many people have told us that it sounds like it’s healing. I don’t think it was intentional, but that’s the vibe. We work on feeling great and having that experience with people, which comes alive in the music. Wesley Paul: We want everyone to enjoy the Peace and feel the Love Luke: I want the listener to experience what we were experiencing when writing each song, whether it be joy, pain, sorrow, loss, or melancholy nostalgia. Eric: A total shared experience of love and energy is what I have faith that anyone who listens to our records or comes to a Plant Sounds show will feel. Joshua: LOVE & PASSION