New Wave of Evolution: Plantoid’s ‘FLARE’ Mastery – An Album Review
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In 2026, Plantoid, the UK’s progressive rock savants, took their music to an audacious new altitude with their riveting second album, ‘FLARE’, further capitalizing on the success of their inaugural album, ‘Terrapath’. Pioneering a unique musical paradigm, the album fabulously balances the traditional progressive rock elements that made their first album stand out, with an exploratory outlook that rejuvenates the auditory experience. Plantoid, consisting of dynamic trio Louis Bradshaw, Chloe Spence, and Tom Coyne, don’t shy away from the complexity and restlessness of their initial sound, but add freshness by delving deeper into sonic expanses like shoegaze and vocal-centric rock-pop, making ‘FLARE’ a sonic spectacle for both long-time admirers and fresh enthusiasts.
Acknowledging the multifaceted unpredictability of the band’s initial offering, Plantoid took into account the need for a refined approach that fully captured the spirit of their sound without strict adherence to the prog-rock norms, leading to an album that ebbs and flows with character. In a significant mirroring of the progressive rock ethos, the element of time plays a spectacular role in their nine-track offering, encouraging listeners to plunge head-deep into detours of musical diversions, reverberating tempo transformations, and stretched track lengths. Louis, Chloe, and Tom, under the able guidance of producer, and sometimes live member, Nathan Ridley, managed to tap into a deeper resonance, allowing ‘FLARE’ a chance to mature into something more than a mere collection of songs. Synthesizing their diverse influences and striving to maintain an engaging musical milieu, their aspiration was to not just iterate ideas, but to explore them to their fullest extent, as is evident in their standout tracks such as “Splatter” and “Ultivatum Cultivatum”.
Crucial to ‘FLARE’s’ evolution was a sabbatical that served not just as a break from their relentless gig schedule but also as a prerequisite to their creative development. A fortuitous writing retreat set in the scenic locale of Penhesgyn Hall, Wales served as the incubation hub for the majority of the album’s tracks. In the shadows of the majestic Snowdonia mountains, the band had the freedom to let their creativity flow unrestrained. It was in these sessions where they composed ‘Splatter’ – a daring, sub-three-minute arrangement, something they’d never undertaken before.
What makes ‘FLARE’ a masterstroke is Plantoid’s knack for treating each composition as a unique entity, breaking away from the constraints of monotony. ‘Splatter’, characterized by its compact structure, an impatient drumbeat and high register vocals paired with grainy guitar riffs, and ‘Ultivatum Cultivatum’, representative of traditional Plantoid with its relaxed guitar play and dreamy vocals reminiscent of Cocteau Twins and Beach House, are a testament to the band’s innovative approach.
Nevertheless, the crux of the album, ‘Dozer’, encapsulates the band’s collective ethos, brilliantly weaving in rhythmically intense German Krautrock influences while exuberantly shedding musical norms for a euphoric, labyrinthine, math-rock odyssey. The album doesn’t stop from astonishing us with more powerful tracks like ‘The Weaver’ and ‘Daisy Chains’, where Chloe’s vocals beautifully take the spotlight, adding an extra layered depth to their already intricate music, and revealing never before seen facets to their dreamy and captivating world.
‘FLARE’ indeed reflects an unwavering dedication to the evolution of their craft, ensuring Plantoid pushes boundaries and navigates the music sphere beyond the restrictions of progressive rock. Their pursuit of constant musical growth and innovation has made them one of the most imaginative and fascinatingly captivating bands in the UK’s current rock scene, likened to renowned prog-rock artists. Yet, they’ve rendered a sound so vividly their own – an inimitable harmony that promises to echo within the prog-rock scene for years to come.
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