Gordi, the musical project led by the talented Sophie Payten, delivers a captivating listening experience with her newest album, Like Plasticine. Drawing profoundly from her firsthand experiences working in hospitals during the pandemic, the album intricately weaves together themes of youth, resilience, and the fragile line between life and death. It stands as a powerful exploration that finds beauty amidst suffering, ultimately emerging with a profound appreciation for the complexities of life itself.
The album opens with “GD (Goddamn),” a track uniquely crafted entirely on an iPhone. It begins with haunting, glitchy sounds that evoke an otherworldly atmosphere and seamlessly evolves into a shimmering sonic landscape, showcasing Payten’s ethereal voice and dynamic vocal range. This experimental opening hints at the album’s overarching theme—an embrace of beauty in chaos and uncertainty. This motif continues to resonate in “Alien Cowboy,” where the electronic soundscape feels both isolating and comforting, perfectly capturing the duality of longing and introspection.
“Cutting Room Floor” juxtaposes its upbeat, cheerful indie rhythm with poignant lyrics delving into the pain of lost love, creating a bittersweet atmosphere as it dances through the nuances of heartache. This track exemplifies Payten’s knack for weaving emotional depth into accessible melodies.
Following this, “Peripheral Lover” emerges as a catchy indie-pop anthem that artfully balances lively danceability with profound introspection. In this track, Payten openly expresses her yearning for connection amid the tentative stages of a queer relationship, making it both deeply personal and universally relatable.
The album then takes a moment to pause for reflection with the tender ballads “Lunch At Dune (feat. SOAK)” and “Settle.” These pieces highlight Payten’s remarkable ability to create intimate, emotional moments, drawing listeners into her world through heartfelt lyricism and rich instrumentation.
As the album progresses, a communal and spiritual atmosphere begins to crystallise. “Diluted” grows from a simple yet poignant piano motif into a powerful emotional climax, evoking a sense of catharsis. In “Your Consolation Prize,” gospel-like vocals merge with impactful, resonant lyrics that address the struggles and triumphs of queer identity, delivering a sense of hope amid adversity.
One of the standout tracks is “PVC Divide (Feat. Anais Mitchell),” a touching acoustic duet inspired by a connection with a patient, embodying the album’s central themes of intimacy and vulnerability in the face of life’s challenges. The final track, “Automatic,” erupts with chaotic energy and urgency, reflecting the emotional weight and intensity of working in healthcare, serving as a visceral conclusion to the album’s overarching narrative.
Like Plasticine showcases Gordi’s impressive skill in transforming her real-life experiences into richly textured music, effectively blending the intimate truths of life and death into an evocative and compelling piece of art. Each track invites listeners to reflect on their own experiences while navigating the delicate balance between joy and sorrow.
