Publicity Campaign: Plastiq - ‘doubt (wow)’
Plastiq unveil powerful new single ‘doubt (wow)’ - a sonic protest for the apocalyptic age. The project founded by Quartz Pistol, Moses Carr and CAPITAL WASTE once again blurs the boundaries between music, visual art and collective protest, inviting listeners into a hyperrealist world where empowerment rises from disillusionment.
‘doubt (wow)’ was born from a moment of personal betrayal, quickly expanding into a powerful critique of global leadership and the relentless lies fed to us by politicians. “No competence amongst our gods”. The song’s raw lyricism is a rallying cry, calling out the failings of world systems to protect life and the growing awakening amongst people rebelling against oppression. “Can’t shut us down, they’re feeling our power.” The title itself is a double-edged sword: “Doubt” in the intentions of world leaders and “wow”, a stunned, visceral response to the atrocities and destruction playing out on the world stage.
The soundscape of ‘doubt (wow)’ is classic bombastic portal-hopping Plastiq. With bold 2000s drums paired with a growly bass lines creating the world for Quartz Pistol’s lush vocal layers to create a choral experience mixed with ballad-like auto-tune vocals. The production grows to a cinematic, larger-than-life climax, with Quartz Pistol’s chant joined by epic second-line drums, 808s and rave-inspired synths. The sounds and lyrics encapsulate a genre-bending anthem built for a world in flux.
Plastiq’s creative evolution embraces world building elements beyond just music with live visuals and high concept costumes. Their recent work is set in a near-future dystopia, with each new release painting another scene in an unfolding narrative that will form the backbone of their debut album, live shows and visual projects. “We want to paint scenes that encapsulate various emotions experienced in our precarious world whether it’s rising up to battle the capitalist slime monster or surviving a natural disaster,” they explain. Every song is a new chapter, every visual a new layer in the Plastiq universe.
Their commitment to merging technology, storytelling and sound is clear in the music video and accompanying visuals for ‘doubt (wow)’. The costumes designed and handmade by Quartz Pistol invites us into the world that is Plastiq merging the performance and digital space. Their previous music videos earning them the award for ‘Best Experimental Music Video’ at the London Music Video Awards and a nomination for the 2023 SA Music Awards (Pop). Their clip for ‘doubt (wow)’ follows a similar cutting-edge approach. Brought to life by CAPITAL WASTE using virtual production at The Lightroom at ILA in Tarntanya (Adelaide) the trio are injected into digital space by using a live Unreal Engine project on enormous LED walls as digital backdrops. CAPITAL WASTE even created the 3D model of the space-convertible featured in the clip by using photogrammetry of household objects and e-waste.
As they continue to push boundaries in every aspect, ‘doubt (wow)’ gives listeners the first taste of Plastiq’s debut album.
