Hangin' Out In 100b

Recent busyness here at Bean Central has kind of zapped my blogging mojo. Actually, it’s zapped pretty much everything but my Playstation mojo – I’ve barely done anything but play Tomb Raider Anniversary for days. Don’t judge me.

But then I discovered something marvelous hiding in the 100b HQ inbox and I couldn’t wait to post about it. Actually, marvelous doesn’t really cut it in this case – this music is sweeping, catchy, fun, uplifting, sad, huge, quaint, and just darned beautiful. (That may sound like I just strung a bunch of random adjectives together to try to sound writer-y, but have a listen in a minute and you’ll see that they’re all true.)

This is Plushgun – a project started by one Dan Ingala – currently based in Brooklyn – only 8 tiny months ago. Originally trained in classical music before moving on to other academic pursuits, Dan has written, recorded, and produced all of Plushgun’s music so far, with help from some guest musicians. This is a wonderful sound he’s created – part indie pop, part indie rock, part electronica, part soaring classical (electronic) orchestration. Like all of my very favorite music, Plushgun is not a one-genre pony, and definitely isn’t afraid of the dreaded ‘pop’ word. As Dan said, “there is no shame in making music people like, so long as you like it too.” Hear, hear! I couldn’t possibly agree more.

Not that there’s anything bubblegummy about Plushgun – this is pop in the best possible way – ‘Pop’ meaning: music that feels really good. All of the tracks I’ve had the chance to listen to are absolutely stunning – but “Just Impolite” makes my heart soar. Seriously, I listened to it about 4 times in a row.

Dan says that Plushgun is going live, and that he’s got some great musicians to perform with, so keep an eye out for them at your favorite venue. A Plushgun EP should be coming soon and, in the meantime, tracks are available for purchase by Snocap via PlushSpace. Dan’s also working on an album so, Record Deal Guys, get your contracts out, you won’t be sorry.

   Plushgun – Just Impolite
   Plushgun – Dancing In A Minefield