With members spread across Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney and Canberra, the debut LP from Nylex – ‘Plastic for People’ has been a labour of love for the group, but one well worth the wait!

Presented here are 9 tracks of pop driven post-punk with an emphasis on dance-ability and high energy throughout the mix. With the drums at time sounding almost programmed in their steady beat, the bass and vocals carry the melody, with stabbing reverberant guitar lines throughout.

Not unlike the tight twang of mid-west US classics Pylon, or Australia’s own Pel Mel - NYLEX have been quietly carving out their place in the Australian underground, playing infrequent yet treasured performances to those fortunate enough to catch them.

 

Featuring members of HYDROMEDUSA, RULE OF THIRDS, and WIREHEADS, the band are touring nationally through October, November and December before tackling Europe in 2020. ‘Plastic for People’ is limited to 300 copies with artwork and layout by Molly Dyson, released by Nopatience Records.

Our take: Debut LP from this Australian post-punk band. If you’re a fan of Pleasure Leftists’ or Public Service’s Siouxsie-inspired sounds, I recommend checking out Plastic for People. Nylex isn’t a Banshees tribute band, but they’re good at the things that the Banshees were good at, particularly creating shimmering, spacious arrangements that bubble over into a swirling, psychedelic boil. So much music in this style sounds cheesy to me; when bands go for a big, anthemic hook it often ends up sounding like emo or pop-punk, but Nylex remains tasteful throughout. While there are punkier tracks like “Forces,” most of the pleasure of listening to Plastic for People comes from subtle contrasts in rhythm, texture, and tempo. The guitarist is brilliant, creating memorable melodies without ever trying to cram in too many notes. Plastic for People has the energy of a punk record, but its subtlety and refinement remind me just as much of classic 4AD bands like Cocteau Twins and This Mortal Coil.