Plastic Barricades – Second-Hand Dreams (2023)
The brainchild of singer-songwriter Dan Kert, Plastic Barricades is a passionate blast of sound from the UK-based artist and his team of ever-changing collaborators. Releasing music for almost a decade, Plastic Barricades has been entertaining audiences since the debut single ‘Masterminds’. Our last look (or rather the last review) of Kert and his collaborators was the 2020 album Self-Theories. Skip ahead a few years and Kert has several critically acclaimed releases, coverage from international blogs and playlists, and steady streaming from various radio stations. The latest addition to his repertoire is the single ‘Second-Hand Dreams’.
Following his four-track EP Counting Fireworks, ‘Second-Hand Dreams’ is the first track from Plastic Barricade’s upcoming full-length album We Stayed Indoors. Recorded in collaboration with drummer Chris Barber, singer Aellie Koto, singer-songwriters Luke Joyce and John Sibley, mixing engineer Tom Hill and mastering by Andy Baldwin, We Stayed Indoors is a genre-diverse collection of songs. Unafraid to take on provocative issues, the new album tackles mental health, changing perceptions, inner turmoil, regrets and doubts. ‘Second-Hand Dreams’ touches on the frustration of society’s rat race dreaming of bigger, better things.
“’Second-Hand Dreams’ explores the world where we are always on the cusp of a better life but never quite there. Overwhelmed and overworked, we are drowning in an endless ocean of distractions and superficial communication trying to impress people we don’t actually like. Our thoughts and actions are being regulated and limited and we are afraid of taking risks and breaking free from the confines of conformity…” – Dan Kert on ‘Second-Hand Dreams’
Tipping his hat at the sounds of the 80s and 90s, ‘Second-Hand Dreams’ blends aspects of alternative rock with indie-rock dashed with tinges of pop fluttering across the melody. Pounding drums match soaring guitars with an underlying ferocity while Kert’s mellifluous vocals bring a smoother gentleness. Bold and confident but mellow and subdued, Kert elegantly expresses the frustrated angst lurking below a grey, monotone and melancholic surface.
In addition to the single, Plastic Barricades released an official music video for ‘Second-Hand Dreams’. You can view the video below or via the YouTube channel. Please note: this video uses effects that can trigger seizures in people with photosensitive epilepsy. Viewer discretion is advised.
VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED
For more from Plastic Barricades, check out the official website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
