Unlike most artist names, the name Pluto Jonze is surprisingly descriptive of the music you’re going to hear from this particular Sydney three-piece, fronted and brainchild-ed by Lachlan Nicolson. It’s poppy, it’s a little bit psychedelic, it’s peppy as hell, and if you don’t get down with it, you’re definitely in the minority. Following on from his cogently composed debut album Eject (2013), the Sucker EP is a continuation of what we love most about Pluto Jonze – an energy that’s near impossible to keep up with. Also the theremin; we love the theremin.
A late entry from 2014, Pluto Jonze’s Sucker EP will leave you feeling anything but. Inspired lyricism and imagery coupled with dazzling guitars makes this a fantastic EP!
Sucker, the title track from this EP is a mature cut that, while more restrained than previous PJ releases, exhibits some of Nicolson’s strongest songwriting to date. As an acoustic guitar and shimmering synthesizer interplay, Jonze bemoans a relationship that’s as addictive as it is destructive, with precise electric guitar work helping to craft a memorable and emotional chorus. Though this may be one of the more mature singles from Pluto Jonze, there’s a veritable Pandora’s Box of energy, enthusiasm and indie pop finesse to be found elsewhere on this EP.
Take for example the opener, Wear Purple To My Funeral, in which Nicholson tackles the subject of his own funeral with the kind of psych-tinged joy that we’ve come to expect from him. Punctuated by jubilant organs, guitars, piano work and even a smattering of autotune, this upbeat track meshes themes of death and passing with that of Woodstock-esque imagery. Lines such as “Deliver me in a rainbow hearse, say the sermon in reverse / Carry me out on rollerskates, the day that I make my great escape” inject a necessary lightheartedness into this undeniably dark subject matter.
Or there’s the Monopoly-referencing Too Much Money, which shoves in your face the kind of opulent bravado that would make The Wolf of Wall Street call you out on being a bit excessive. A raw mix of dirty guitar, pounding drum work and crowd shouted lyrics all make this track sound like something that could well have ended up on LCD Soundsystem’s first album.
There’s also Breakfast in Korea, a very 90s pop makeup song, and Foolin’ With Nature, the final track that really feels anything but with it’s raucous brass arrangements and Nicolson’s striking vocal work, closing the EP with the shouted refrain ‘this experiment’s over!’
The Sucker EP, while a late release for 2014, proves to be one that displays pronounced potential for this Sydney act who have already won us over with their effervescent songwriting charm and energy. While Jonze is already well established on our radars, this EP reiterates that he has much more in store for us come 2015. Bring it on, Pluto. Bring it on.
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