Plantoid bend genre and expectation at Clwb Ifor Bach
Words: Ciaran Hiscox
Photos: Amy Smith
★★★☆☆
In an engrossed, packed lower floor of Clwb Ifor Bach, Brighton-based Plantoid delivered a set that bent sub-genres to their will.
As they played, the crowd moved in sync with each instrument’s moment to shine. Almost every track carved out space not just for the collective sound, but for individual flourishes, whether vocals or intricate solos from guitar, bass, or drums. At times, these elements seemed to hijack the song entirely, yet always with purpose.
Photo: Amy Smith
The result was a math-rock and jazz-infused blend that felt both methodical and ethereal, each note and lyric placed with precision.
Some songs echoed a 1970s-inspired sound before seamlessly shifting into something reminiscent of an old SEGA arcade driving soundtrack. These transitions, while technically impressive, often blurred the boundaries between tracks.
Photo: Amy Smith
For a first-time listener, the atmosphere was a dreamy yet frantic haze. The music constantly kept you guessing, refusing to settle into predictability. It was not easy listening; it demanded attention, pulling you onto uncertain musical footing. At times, the complexity even became disorienting, with transitions so fluid I did not realise a new song had begun.
Overall, the evening felt like an experimental journey, one defined by a surprising fusion of genres, executed with technical precision and confidence.