We’ve all experienced a friend, acquaintance, or even a stranger telling you to listen to their new album. “Yeah, sure, I’ll listen to your band.” Occasionally, you’ll listen to it again.
And again.
And again.
Until you want to dye your hair pink and rip the heads off of Barbie dolls and rapists.
“My tears are a routine, will I ever be free?” —Plasmic
Plasmic is the brainchild of Lauren Lusardi, a Mission Viejo Starbucks barista who practically dreams in all pink and who has a powerful feminist message, which she expresses through an avant-garde mixture of experimental synth-pop and old-school female punk rock vocals. Combining musical influences of Crystal Castles and Devo and lyrical influences of riot grrl bands like Bikini Kill and G.L.O.S.S., Plasmic is a one-woman show consisting of Lauren on the keytar and microphone, backed by self-produced beats that makes a listener want to burn baby dolls while indulging in a gigantic cone of pink cotton candy sprinkled with fairy dust.
OC Weekly describes Plasmic as “her transmission of femme power and rage through DIY pop is every bit personal as it is political.”
“Revenge is so sweet, revenge is so sweet,” are Lauren’s echoed cries to murder rapists in “Revenge,” the opening title of her new album. Other tracks include “Tears Are a Routine,” “Manchild,” and “So Called Way.” From start to finish, the album is an electrifying juxtaposition of a cute, pink, and girly aesthetic with lyrics filled with horror, violence, and despair. And it’s all packaged in the lively, yet transcendental, sound of 80s synth-punk.
“My favorite movie growing up was Child’s Play, which sparked my love for dolls and the idea of them being possessed. I’ve been told that my genre is ‘music to burn Barbies to,'” says Lusardi.
The self-titled EP, “Plasmic,” is available TODAY, and we suggest you give it a listen.
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