American artist Adrian Guerrero and Australian-born Jane Drewett formed Plasma Chasms in 2020 in the colorful and diverse city of Los Angeles. More than just a coincidental meeting, theirs was the union of two artistic energies that would reshape the landscape of psychedelic rock. Jane brought to the table a unique perspective influenced by her love of delicate melodies and reflective lyrics. She has deep roots in Australia’s indie cultures. Adrian, on the other hand, took inspiration from the lengthy and vibrant heritage of surf rock, psychedelic sounds, and experimental music in Southern California.
Their partnership was instant and electric, giving birth to a sound that seamlessly blended their diverse backgrounds. Plasma Chasms quickly became a vehicle for their shared vision, a musical exploration that straddles the line between nostalgia and innovation. They made a big impression with their 2022 self-titled EP, which served as the world’s introduction to their distinctive indie-pop sound mixed with a gritty, throwback garage vibe. Their rapid popularity with the EP led to them being selected for the esteemed International Pop Overthrow Festival in Los Angeles, where they wowed the crowd and cemented their place as up-and-coming musicians.
Jane and Adrian devoted themselves into the recording of their debut album, working on it meticulously over the following ninety days. The result of this period of reflection and exploration is “Chrysalis,” an album that not only carries over the promise of their EP but also develops it into a fully realized auditory experience. Through their music, Plasma Chasms gives more than simply songs; they offer an encounter, a doorway into a world where each note and phrase is a step closer to the unknown.
On August 30th, 2024, Plasma Chasms unveiled “Chrysalis”, their much-anticipated debut album that promises to be nothing short of a transformative experience. Envision entering a cosmic elevator, where every floor represents a distinct world of sound and feeling and every track represents a distinct psychedelic dimension. The “Chrysalis” album is a labyrinth of sounds that challenges you to go beyond the typical and delve into the depths of human existence. “Chrysalis” uplifts you to let go of the past and embrace the present with its unique blend of pop, rock, and everything in between. It also undergoes a musical metamorphosis. Welcome to “Chrysalis,” where discovering new facets of its cosmic, unearthly beauty with each listen is as essential as reaching the objective.
Chrysalis Album Track List:
Hourglass:
A peaceful, almost ethereal soundscape is created for the listener by Plasma Chasms’ opening tune, “Hourglass,” from their debut album “Chrysalis.” The song’s gentle orchestration envelops you from the first note on, with mellow basslines and guitar strings creating a calm environment. A delicate invitation to enter a realm where time seems to slow down is given by the ethereal opening, which is both an aural and contemplative experience. The way these components are carefully layered creates a sound that is heavenly and personal, making it the ideal setting for the contemplative trip that “Hourglass” offers.
As the song progresses, it becomes clear that the interplay between the instrumentation and vocals is where “Hourglass” truly shines. Adrian Guerrero’s voice emerges at 0:17, fitting in perfectly with the instrumental background and giving the song a layer of emotional depth with his mellow, soothing tones. A soft drum rhythm that starts at 0:15 offers a subtle groove and leads the listener through the song’s evolution without overpowering the intricately crafted delicate balance. The gradual increase in intensity draws the listener further into the experience in a subtle yet impactful way. When Jane Drewett enters the song at 1:35, her heavenly tones harmonize flawlessly with Adrian’s, resulting in an almost unearthly vocal harmony.
The true brilliance of “Hourglass” lies in its ability to evoke a sense of calm while simultaneously engaging the listener with its intricate details. The downtempo rhythm and the interplay of the vocals create a mesmerizing effect, making the song feel like a gentle, continuous flow of energy. The backdrop of celestial vocal melodies enhances this effect, giving the song an almost divine quality. Every component of “Hourglass,” including the mellow rhythm beats, slick basslines, and ethereal guitar notes, come together to produce a calming yet engrossing listening experience. This particular piece, which is unique among the songs in “Chrysalis,” not only stands out but also shows how the duo can create music that is both introspective and sublime.
Painted Rain:
The song “Painted Rain,” which is among the best on Plasma Chasms’ album “Chrysalis,” encapsulates the duo’s talent for sonically intricate and profoundly moving music. The music immerses the listener in a world of ethereal melodies and peaceful rhythms from the very first note, taking them on a voyage through sound. You are drawn in by the piano’s gentle, heavenly-sounding introduction, which promotes reflection and serenity. The steady drum beat that starts at 0:15 perfectly balances this calm and sets the ethereal melodies in a comfortable, slow rhythm that beckons you to go further into the experience.
The vocal performances in “Painted Rain” are nothing short of enchanting. Adrian Guerrero and Jane Drewett both have a warm and captivating quality to their vocal delivery of the songs. Their voices merge together harmoniously in a way that feels natural, which improves the overall mood of the song. They create a dynamic and captivating story with their melodies, and their vocal interplay is especially impressive as they switch between main and supporting parts with ease. With soft basslines and delicate guitar strings blending together to provide a soundscape that is both rich and calming, the instrumentation provides the ideal setting for their voices.
What truly sets “Painted Rain” apart is its ability to evolve and surprise the listener while maintaining a sense of coherence. The shift in rhythm at the 2:00 mark introduces a more dynamic sonic approach, adding layers of complexity to the track without disrupting its laid-back groove. This change breathes new life into the song, keeping the listener engaged and intrigued. The harmony between the melodies’ fluidity and the steady rhythm produces a singular listening experience that is both otherworldly and grounded. The song “Painted Rain” by Plasma Chasms is a very remarkable moment on “Chrysalis” since it not only demonstrates the group’s mastery of music but also demonstrates its capacity to elicit strong emotional responses from listeners.
Just For You:
“Just For You,” a gem from Plasma Chasms’ debut album “Chrysalis”, captures the essence of simplicity and transcendence, delivering a sound that is both captivating and addictive. The track opens with a warm, welcoming drum intro that immediately sets a relaxed tone. This is swiftly followed by the sweet, blissful strings of the guitar, layered with the elegant and heavy movements of the bass. Together, these elements create a stable yet gentle groove that forms the foundation of the song. The understated beauty of the instrumentation is immediately apparent, drawing the listener in with its subtlety and grace. The vocal performances of Adrian Guerrero and Jane Drewett elevate “Just For You” to a level of celestial beauty.
Both artists’ vocals have a calming effect, and their composed, gentle styles go well with the song’s peaceful orchestration. Their harmonious, almost ethereal voices reverberate throughout the song, creating a beautiful and distinctive soundscape. Apart from augmenting the emotional profundity of the song, the duet imbues it with an element of closeness that captivates the listener profoundly. Every phrase feels intimate and sincere because of their strong vocal chemistry. “Just For You” is an engaging song from beginning to end because to its steady midtempo groove and warm rhythm.
The interplay between the elegant bass movements and the steady drum beat provides a solid yet fluid foundation, allowing the other instrumental elements, such as the guitar strings and subtle synth touches, to shine. These additional layers add highlights of bliss and essence to the soundscape, enriching the overall atmosphere of the track. Plasma Chasms has crafted a piece that is not only a testament to their ability to create emotionally resonant music but also an example of how simplicity, when executed with precision and care, can lead to something truly extraordinary. “Just For You” stands out as a work of art that is both inviting and deeply moving, making it a standout track on “Chrysalis”.
Entropy:
“Entropy,” a standout track from Plasma Chasms’ debut album “Chrysalis”, showcases the duo’s ability to blend unconventional elements into a cohesive and captivating piece of art. The song begins with a unique interplay of sweet guitar strings and hand-drum percussions, immediately establishing an unexpected and culturally rich soundscape. This twisted yet balanced introduction sets the stage for what unfolds as an intricate musical journey. Adrian Guerrero’s vocals enter early, carrying the lyrics with a soft and charming quality that seamlessly merges with the track’s initial energy. His voice, paired with the unconventional instrumentation, creates an atmosphere that feels both familiar and refreshingly new.
As “Entropy” progresses, it fully awakens at the 0:15 mark, where a gentle yet groovy drum beat emerges, accompanied by delicate guitar strings, soft piano lacings, and smooth basslines. These elements combine to craft a midtempo groove that is both subtle and complex, providing a solid foundation for Adrian’s continued lyrical exploration. The song’s progression is marked by a unique flow that feels slightly unpredictable, keeping the listener engaged as it oscillates between moments of calm and bursts of intensity. The instrumentation gradually intensifies, with electrifying guitar strings and more robust layers adding depth and energy to the track. This dynamic shift breathes new life into the song, creating a captivating ebb and flow that holds the listener’s attention.
What makes “Entropy” truly stand out is its ability to maintain a balance between unpredictability and coherence. Despite being non-linear, the song’s structure feels deliberate and well-thought-out, taking the listener through a variety of auditory and emotional worlds. The way the voice and instrumentation interact is expertly done; each component feels purposeful and natural in its complementation of the other. With their single, Plasma Chasms not only defies genre norms but also extends the limits of what is possible in psychedelic rock. One of the most captivating songs on “Chrysalis,” “Entropy” is a monument to their creative genius, providing a listening experience that is both captivating and unforgettable.
The concept of managing life’s transitional areas—those points where one chapter finishes and another begins—serves as the basis for the plot of “Chrysalis.” The album’s tracks all address various facets of the human condition, from the anxiety of change to the excitement of fresh starts, all while focusing on the overarching theme of transition. The deliberate cosmic, otherworldly vibe of the album is meant to take listeners to a realm where the commonplace turns extraordinary and each sound takes them one step closer to the unknown. With each track denoting a distinct stage of psychedelic experience, “Chrysalis” is organized like a cosmic elevator. The album’s nonlinear format offers listeners a cohesive and broad whole, enticing them to become lost in its intricate layers of music.
A tapestry of sound that is both intricate and immersive is created by the rich and varied musical compositions, which feature melodic guitars, vocal harmonies, bass grooves, and dreamy synths. From the contemplative voyage of “Entropy” to the calm reflection of “Hourglass,” each song on “Chrysalis” delves into a different facet of the human experience. The chrysalis metaphor serves as a representation of the transitional stages that all people go through in life, and the album’s main theme is one of growth and transformation. While “Just For You” explores the depth of feeling in interpersonal relationships, “Painted Rain” focuses on the unpredictable nature of change. The narrative that these songs weave together is seamless and reflects the beauty and complexity of the human condition.
Plasma Chasms’ excellent debut album, “Chrysalis,” reveals the band’s ability to create music that is both very emotional and avant-garde. The album is notable for its meditative themes and intricate, multi-layered soundscapes within the genre of modern psychedelic rock. “Chrysalis” is a must-listen for fans of the genre since it reinvents classic sounds and pushes the boundaries of what is conceivable in music. This album is certain to make an impact, regardless of your level of familiarity with Plasma Chasms. Be ready for a metamorphosis that will leave you changed when you enter the Chrysalis, much like Jane and Adrian did when they were making this incredible album.
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