Triple Feature: Plantoid, Silent Script, Crimson Leaves

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Plantoid comes to us from the UK. You may remember their debut album Terrapath back in 2024. For what it’s worth, I think this new record FLARE is better. The lineup includes Chloe Spence on vocals, Tom Coyne on guitar, Louis Bradshaw on drums, and Bernardo Larisch on bass.

FLARE gives us the band’s signature quirky prog rock, math rock, and fusion sounds. This record delves further into shoegaze and pop sensibilities, however, so the tracklist feels quite diverse and free. You’ll hear plenty of terrific grooves, psychedelic atmospheres, and excellent vocals.

It’s funny, though. I was attracted to the band’s original sound, as they reminded me of Bent Knee somewhat. This album stirs in enough ambience, ballads, and quieter portions to the point where that’s what I want to hear from them now! Songs like “The Weaver”, “Good For You”, and “Daisy Chains” are all slower and more pensive with Chloe’s vocals front and center. I think I prefer that style.

My favorite song overall, though, is “Ultivatum Cultivation” with its addictive little groove, odd accents, and hushed vocals. There’s something warm in its subtleties that draws me in, and that goes for the rest of the album, too. Even their louder and more pronounced songs are more balanced and even-keeled. I like where this band is going.

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Silent Script hails from Alberta, Canada. They’re one of those bands that we need to watch because, one day, they’re going to release a legendary masterpiece. Their debut is called Another Day in Bedlam; I have no idea who is in the band as I can’t find that information anywhere online.

The band plays progressive metal that rides the line between classic and modern. I love their inclusion of jazz and brass elements, the way they save the riffs for moments of greatest impact. I particularly like the vocalist, as he reminds me of Misha of Distorted Harmony, not only in his tone, but in the way he writes vocal melodies. It feels nostalgic and fresh like that.

Another Day in Bedlam is a rock-solid album. Not a bad track here. My favorites are “Tear Down the Sky”, somewhat straightforward but very catchy; “Mirage”, a bouncy, brassy piece that will stick in your mind; “Bedlam”, simultaneously the heaviest on the record, but with flute and saxophone; and “Final Hour”, a spacious, beautiful, jazzy piece that’s instantly likeable. The album as a whole is really fun to hear, though. Prog rock/metal fans should give it a try.

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You’ll notice something about Crimson Leaves right away: they love legendary gothic metal bands like Type O Negative, Paradise Lost, and HIM. The band comes to us from Germany and their new EP Tears on the Altar is such a spinetingling listen. Again, not sure of the lineup here. Why don’t bands like to list their names anywhere?

I love this EP. The band plays gothic metal with all the atmosphere, synth, and Romantic inclinations of the greats. I love that sound so much, but it’s all for naught if the writing is weak. Crimson Leaves gives us songs with interesting structures, powerful hooks, and utter melody. They know how to write.

I’ll be honest: “All Them Witches (To Be Loved)” is currently one of my favorite songs of the year. It has everything I love about the genre, from the dark vocals to the synth color to the incredibly catchy chorus. But the other four tracks are all great, too. “Love at Nightfall” has one of the catchiest hooks that is also somehow the most subtle. Just something about it.

“A Thousand Roses” reminds me of Paradise Lost quite a bit; I love the heaviness of the guitars especially. Of course, “Dagger Heart” has such a quick, interesting tempo that still works with the gothic vibes. It’s both fascinating and addictive. “Sanguis Virginis” reminds me of a HIM song with Peter Steele on vocals; it has that light, airy, love-soaked atmosphere. The EP is simply a nostalgia trip that also convinces me the band will find their own unique sound, too. Their writing skills are top notch.