It’s been a long old three months or so in lockdown; with many of us trying to figure out how to spend the time whilst we slowly waste away out of boredom. With this in mind, Plain Microwave is fresh on the scene straight from London, with their debut single about just that; Wasting Time.
Released on 19th June, the sole driving force of Plain Microwave — J Downey — has worked tirelessly to provide questionable cuisine for the ears; taking influences from a variety of 80s and 90s alternative rock and pop to deliver an interestingly delightful track telling tales of being out of work, anxiety, and general boredom.
Greeted straight away with swinging rhythms and distorted screams from what seems like a hundred different guitars at once; Wasting Time begins, ironically, with no time to waste. A cacophonous explosion of sounds taking influence from the likes of the Talking Heads and Dinosaur Jr.; combining hard-hitting rhythms from both drums and guitar with J’s endearingly honest vocals — resulting in a track that throws all caution to the wind.
Seeming to be a combination of three different songs in one neat four-minute package, Wasting Time guides you through the ether of this current world of uncertainty; presenting a plethora of influences, thoughts and general wonderment that is sure to provide a soundtrack for this gloomy quarantine. All in all, J Downey’s Plain Microwave is certainly one to keep an eye on; with their cerebral yet foolhardy approach to creativity and unquestionable talent, they’re set to be on a clear and fast path to success.