Plaiins

Imagine this: you’re standing at the train tracks and a freight train loaded with a bunch of cheeky daredevils comes at you full throttle. Someone’s half hanging out the open carriage, reaching out an arm for you to hold on to - inviting you to hop on for the ride of your life. That’s what it feels like to be thrown into the sonic world of PLAIINS.

Founded during the pandemic that held the globe in a standstill by frontman Chris, the Brit and his two German bandmates create a moving sound that’s informed by their deep love for alternative, punk and indie. Naturally, their 2025 debut album HAPPY FACES is full of playful riffs and dancey grooves - paired with witty lyrics that manage to talk about social issues and all-too-human struggles without ever taking themselves too seriously.

Inspiration for the trio comes from bands like Queens Of The Stone Age, IDLES, Viagra Boys and Fontaines D.C., but also from personal life, politics and pop culture. On lead single ROW SHE SAID, for example, singer Chris draws from his experience with the aftermath of Brexit and the rise of right-wing, nationalist politics both in his home country, the UK, and in his adopted home Germany. Set to the background of heavy hitting, hard riffs and driving verses, this is an example of the more serious moments on the album. It shows a band that believes in the importance of taking a clear stance.

Contrasting, the playfully teasing SPORTS BAR pokes light-hearted fun at long nights watching football games at the local pubs, a tradition that is ever-present both in the UK and Germany. The shout-along chorus with a groove reminiscing of The Hives at their greatest puts you right there,
arm over shoulder with your best mates, shouting at the TV hung above the bar. PLAIINS is not a band that limits itself to any one genre or topic. Still, their sonic identity is clear cut and recognisable. Even though they just released their debut album, they already made a name for themselves as one of the most exciting up-and-coming bands. Not least because of their ferocious power-washer of a live show that leaves no body unmoved, whether at their
headline shows or on tour with Press Club, LEAP or Itchy. So stop standing around and hop on already, mate!