Plugg create shimmering atmospheres and moody nu metal fused with melody on this demo which was produced by none other than Mat of Hydrovibe. Lumbering song structures roll forward with menacing aggression and a downtrodden aura. A bit reminiscent of Staind the group separates itself from any overly direct comparison by incorporating gleaming effects that radiate with purity. Vocally there's a similarity to bands like Staind or Trustfall, but there's a sullen, almost gloomy quality to the words that erupt into ravaging choruses. For the most part a heavy hard rock styled angle is used but there are a few times when the lyrical patterns sound loosely based on a hip hop pattern, although not in a rapcore way. Instead, refrained and calm while coming off agonized and aggressive their focus on dark melody and control makes them a worthy addition to the band and separates them from being cliche. Guitars are indulgent and tend to dabble in effects and the range of the instrument. A handful of straight forward riffs are played and accentuated with the occasional experimental squeal but for the most part they're heavy and feature a moderate tuning with a satisfying distortion. The overall attention that is put to the rhythm and ambiance indeed helps round out the bands sound. Bass is a bit more downtuned and less flagrant than the guitars parts. Solid and supportive it coasts through with smooth basslines that grease up the tracks working underneath the guitar and drums tightening up the gaps. Drums feature an average tuning with a tight snare that resonates with each hit. Off beat variations and an enveloping usage of the kit with tom rolls and rumbles are wrapped up here along with some unexpected percussion incorporation makes for an interesting aspect of the bands music and showcasing the abundant talent. As a package this CD is quite good and has enough unique elements to it to entertain the listener with its fresh sound, but it does at times begin to blur each track into each other exercising an almost entirely too familiar formula on each track. Even though this can steal a bit of the bands thunder, there's still enough here to warrant repeated listens and the groups future definitely looks bright. Plugg couldn't have chosen a more fitting name, all that's necessary is to put this CD in your stereo, plug in the headphones and zone out, if you want something that features a new take on some familiar flavor, look no further.
(4 / 5)