Plastic Handgun is the project of Toronto-based independent artist Mark Di Giovanni. Creating music for over 10 years, his sound has shifted from experimental electronic to more structured rock. After a string of EPs and digital releases, the 2015 LP Involuntary Memories marked this turning point, blending genres and layering sounds to create a hypnotic whole. The follow-up album, Gatekeepers, is his first work in 5 years and continues his foray into art rock with an apocalyptic tinge.
On July 10th he plans to release Gatekeepers, and today Glide is offering an exclusive early listen of the entire album. Balancing influences of post-punk with moody and ambient electronica, Di Giovanni crafts rich sonic soundscapes teeming with experimental flourishes. There are slower moments that feel introspective and meditational, while he also switches gears to make dark dance tracks. Layering in dreamy guitar and electronically harmonized vocals, the music at times brings to mind acts like Interpol but with more of a beat-driven sound. The end result is an album of dynamic music that feels equally suited to be played through headphones while melting into your couch as it is for a dark nightclub.
Mark Di Giovanni describes the inspiration behind the album:
“‘Gatekeepers’ is an album about the struggle to stay hopeful when overwhelmed by anxiety; about living and losing, but still finding reasons to fight.”
LISTEN:
For more music and info visit plastichandgun.com.
