In the sprawling, sun-drenched neighborhoods of San Diego, California, a new force in post-punk and indie rock quietly emerged from bedrooms, garages, and the shared residue of old band dreams. That force is Plaster, a five-member band founded in 2024 by longtime collaborators Shea Villetet and Cameron Jackson, whose musical synergy was first sparked during their time together in the band Cardboard Boxer. When that chapter ended, something new began, an unfiltered creative rebirth grounded in instinct and honesty. The duo started writing songs in bedrooms, raw sketches of emotion and sonic experimentation. As the songs grew, so did the band. Jake Foster joined on drums, injecting a rhythmic confidence that shifted their sound toward something bolder, more cohesive. Later, Miguel Nevarez came aboard, initially contributing on keys before transitioning to second guitar, bringing with him a melodic richness and textural edge.
The final piece of the puzzle was Brittany Bannister, whose ethereal synth and keyboard layers added depth, ambiance, and a dreamlike dimension to the band’s soundscape. Plaster isn’t a product of polished industry engineering. Their sound is built on grit, experience, and the shared spirit of musicians who’ve come up through the local scene. Their roots are humble, but their vision is far-reaching. Influenced by genre-defying acts like Fontaines D.C., Crack Cloud, and Title Fight, they blend the urgency of post-punk with indie vulnerability and a touch of sonic chaos. Having shared the stage with punk legends like Agent Orange and performed at San Diego’s inaugural Punk Rock Rodeo alongside Guttermouth, Plaster’s live presence has already begun carving a reputation for intensity and authenticity. With every chord and chorus, the band proves that they’re not chasing trends, they’re carving out truth.
Some debuts whisper. Plaster’s debut EP Back to Basics roars with soul and sincerity, a fierce, unfiltered return to everything that makes music feel alive. Released on April 11, 2025, the EP is a declaration of intent. Recorded live at Sunsick Studios with longtime collaborator Alex Jacobelli and mastered by Brad at Audioseige, the project captures the raw, visceral sound of a band playing from the gut. Back to Basics is a sonic time capsule, echoing with the urgency of now while channeling the spirit of the past. It invites listeners into a space of vulnerability and power, where every riff, beat, and breath feels earned. Fueled by DIY ethos, post-punk grit, and the emotional weight of five dedicated musicians, the EP stands as both a statement of identity and a glimpse into what lies ahead.
Back To Basics EP Track List:
Back To Basics:
Plaster’s Back to Basics kicks off the EP with a sense of calm before building into something much more thrilling. The song starts with the subtle clicking of drumsticks, which gradually leads to an invigorating blend of guitar riffs and a steady, pulsating drumbeat. As the track progresses, reverberating guitar strings and deep bass melodies emerge, setting the stage for the sharp and gritty guitar riffs that follow. The vocals enter with remarkable precision, navigating the sonic landscape with emotional clarity. The balance between the vocals and instrumentation is seamless, creating a flowing and captivating sound that effortlessly draws the listener in.
The song’s production shines with a clear, punchy mix that allows each element to stand out. The guitar work is a standout feature, driving the track forward with a rhythm that pushes against the steady pulse of the drums. Vocally, the lead performance is raw and emotive, carrying depth and vulnerability without losing its power. The track’s groove walks a fine line between nostalgia and tension, creating a sense of unease that is both compelling and captivating. This tension is heightened by the balance of catchy, accessible hooks and more experimental, atmospheric textures that unfold throughout the verses and bridge.
Back to Basics demonstrates Plaster’s ability to blend immediacy with depth. The chorus is instantly memorable, drawing listeners in with its infectious hook, while the verses add complexity with dissonant layers and atmospheric textures that demand repeated listens. The backup vocals bring additional depth, enriching the song with harmonic nuances that further elevate its emotional impact. As the opening track of the EP, Back to Basics serves as a powerful introduction to Plaster’s sound, raw, energetic, and perfectly poised to leave a lasting impression.
Past Life:
The track Past Life, on Plaster’s EP opens with an air of haunting beauty, inviting the listener into an atmospheric space that blends nostalgia with a sense of otherworldly detachment. The track begins with a dreamlike mood, where layered keys and ethereal background vocals weave together, creating an almost ghostly presence that envelops the listener. This initial sense of calm, however, is deceptive. As the song progresses, it explodes with an energetic grunge-like intensity, an unexpected burst of grit that infuses the haunting atmosphere with a raw, fiery energy. The result is an organized chaos that feels both chaotic and perfectly controlled, a beautifully messy amalgamation of tension and release that Plaster captures with grace.
The production on Past Life is masterful, offering a lush and textured sound that gives the track both depth and complexity. The interplay between the layered keys and the guitar work is particularly noteworthy. While the keys create a rich, atmospheric landscape, the guitar subtly builds tension beneath the surface, adding a sense of urgency without overtaking the more delicate elements of the track. The vocals are equally compelling, with the lead voice floating effortlessly between vulnerability and strength. The backup vocals complement this with haunting harmonies that accentuate the song’s ethereal quality, adding a layer of emotional richness that is as captivating as it is unsettling.
What truly elevates Past Life is the emotional depth it conveys through its intricate arrangement. The track beautifully balances introspection with explosive energy, all while maintaining an elegant flow. The lyrics explore themes of memory, identity, and longing, creating a sense of emotional disconnection that resonates on a personal level. Despite its haunting aura, the song carries a grungy, gritty energy that’s impossible to ignore, underscoring the power of both the composition and the performance. The exceptional balance between background and lead vocals, alongside the meticulous instrumentation, makes Past Life a standout track. It’s a song that not only captures the essence of Plaster’s creative vision but also leaves a lasting emotional impact, ensuring it lingers in the mind long after the music fades.
Back to Basics is more than just an impressive debut, it’s a compelling introduction to a band that understands the power of vulnerability, the beauty of imperfection, and the urgency of honest expression. Plaster delivers an EP that feels alive in every sense, blending post-punk grit, indie nuance, and emotional depth into a sound that’s both familiar and refreshingly raw. With its live-recorded intensity and deeply resonant themes, this project stands as a confident first chapter in what promises to be a thrilling artistic journey. For listeners who crave authenticity, textured storytelling, and music that lingers long after it ends, Back to Basics is not just recommended, it’s essential.
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