The enigmatic Plain Mister Smith continues mystifying his listeners with the unveiling of his new single, ‘Grade Five and the Ax’ (Feat. Findlay Brown)’ out on 9th of February via Popoganda Records. Featuring the pacifying harmonic vocals of Findlay Brown, Plain Mister Smith continues to carve his own niche in indie-folk with his witty songwriting, yet still embracing the self-reflection and emotional lyrical themes the genre offers. Formerly strumming strings as a guitarist for Canadian Electronic band Moev, the multi-talented artist now has his hands full as a cellist for the Vancouver Philharmonic Orchestra.
Plain Mister Smith’s music has received notable publication support from CLASH Mag, NOTION Mag, Under The Radar Mag, Earmilk, NOCTIS Mag, METAL Mag and Atwood Mag among others.
As the story goes, Mark Jowett woke up one day, and before him stood a peculiar man in a pinstriped suit – his globular head turning to look at Mark. Whether apparition, intruder, or musical persona in ‘human’ form … Jowett was unsure. It did, however, spark the fire of his new project; birthing Plain Mister Smith. Physically based between Vancouver and London, the enigmatically elusive musician is figuratively out of this world. Ever ethereal in the public eye, the masked virtuoso has quietly demanded his own secretive space within the indie-pop world.
The interplay between the acoustic guitar and rhythmic drums, supplemented by the modest percussion work and lilting vocal delivery on ‘Grade Five and the Ax’ gives off an exploration of reminiscence. Toward the backside of the song, following the second chorus the mood alters for a stint, with the vocalist preparing the way for a drum solo to further get the listener’s heads moving. Plain Mister Smith’s atypical personality again sees the creation of a beautifully crafted eclectic musical piece, with predictable qualities, this is a musical tale to just listen to and enjoy.
After friendly interrogation on the contents of ‘Grade Five and the Ax’, Plain Mister Smith had the following to say: “Kids get up to crazy things. A blurry memory of getting drunk in the woods in Grade Five while a friend swung an axe around, and maybe at some point believing the Ax has splintered me in two…..”
