Much like the ebb and flow of the ocean informing its seemingly René Margritte-inspired album artwork, single “After You” gently washes over the listener, soaking them in the vintage atmospheric sound of New York synth pop outfit Plastic Picnic. The first single from their forthcoming sophomore EP Vistalite, “After You” makes no effort to deny its '80s inspiration, but channels the timeless theme of fearing change into its delicate vocal line. Simultaneously, it never barrages you with a nostalgic sound, applying a modern perspective by scaling back instrumentation carefully over the course of four minutes, presenting a sonic output that is well-tempered and rich, but never overwhelming. It promises a dreamy performance at Market Hotel on July 18th for the band’s record release show, supported by Toldeo, Hypoluxo, and Pecas. Stream it below. -Connor Beckett McInerney

It's always a good sign when a local medium size NYC venue like Rough Trade books two local acts to play on new year's eve. This year the Williamsburg venue/record store picked garage trio THICK and atmospheric indie pop quartet Plastic Picnic to perform as openers for Nashville's Diarrhea Planet on Sunday December 31st, check out two of their videos in this YouTube playlist!

P.S. Fellow NYC psych garagers Stuyedeyed will open for that same band on the 30th.

Hailing from the Pacific Northwest, the four dudes in Plastic Picnic seem to carry some of that sea's peacefulness embedded in their musical DNA. The quartet has just released a new single entitled "Miss it Still," which confirms their inclination for spacious synthpop atmospheres and warm melodies. The track will be included in the band's upcoming debut EP, whose release date is still unknown. What is known, thought, are the details of their next live show: Berlin on May 25th.

Plastic Picnic’s light indie pop is the result of two duos – Lute and Panerio, and Hunt and Taylor – coming together with compatible musical talents. The Brooklyn-based quartet's name doesn't quite capture the essence of their music, which, although incorporating synths, doesn't sound as synthetic as the word 'plastic' would make one think. On the other hand, single Nausea in Paradise (streaming), would work nicely as a picnic soundtrack - notwithstanding the not very appetizing title.  Fans of sophisticated '80s pop like Prefab Sprout should check these guys out at Rough Trade on July 15th.  - Madeleine Grossman