Uniflora: Plastic Sturgeon EP

As we all get a little bit longer in the tooth, it becomes easier to fall into the trap of cynicism. Particularly during an era where DIY culture is constantly fighting the tidal wave of capitalism and, at times, it almost feels like the point of no return.

That’s why bands like Uniflora are the breath of fresh air that us older folks sometimes need. A reminder that record-collecting culture and live music remains firmly intact, despite the fierce challenges it faces in a world that is forever changing and moving at break-neck speed.

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Another band to emerge from the flourishing Hallogallo scene in Chicago, Uniflora are Quinn Dugan (vocals/guitar), Theo Williams (bass) and Ruby O’Brien (drums). The trio first cropped up earlier this year with the three-song release, Francium, and while those tracks are included on their latest EP, Plastic Sturgeon, there’s a new rush of urgency when combined with the three other tracks that round out this release.

Recorded with Erik Cameron from Charm Co-op Studios and mastered by Dan Coutant at Sun Room Mastering, Plastic Sturgeon consists of songs from young lifers who have spent their formative years poring over record collections and finding the necessary gold dust to translate their findings to tape.

It begins with the hurdy-gurdy gust of Precipitation – a crooning serenade inspired by Marqueen Moon. And the Television homage doesn’t end there. The instrumental Blue is an immediate dusty groove that send ripples through the floorboards. Quite the lead-in to the excellently titled Jude the Freebaser. Perhaps Plastic Sturgeon’s apex moment, Jude the Freebaser is an electric wig-out that gives slacker culture a swift kick up the arse.

Then there’s Denouement, which sees Uniflora back at the coalface of proto-punk. But instead of the Tom Verlaine treatment, things get a bit more visceral as the band tap into the vein of those thundering tones and sparks-flying-riffa-rolla of Mission of Burma.

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From here the end is strong. Firstly, with Weather Cohort – a sing-speak angular assault that grinds you into submission and closing with In the Door (Out the Door), a simple but catchy affair of pulsating post-punk, the showcase of well-informed ideas comes to an end.

Plastic Sturgeon is a bright start for the Chicago three-piece, and from what is currently a hotbed of gnarly young bands continuing to defy the odds by keeping the torch of DIY culture burning, don’t be surprised if Uniflora follow down that same pathway as fellow Chicago acts, Lifeguard and Horsegirl. Yes, there’s more to come, of that there is no doubt.

Plastic Sturgeon is out now. Purchase from Bandcamp.