“Touching upon existential angst within a span of genres and emotions, the EP is intimate yet relatable as it leaves us with a sense of otherworldly intrigue.”
EARMILK
“Plain Mister Smith’s newest release, New Wave Sangfroid, proves to be anything other than plain (…) The song immediately draws you in with lush synth tones, evoking echoes of folklore and indie-pop inspirations that are clear in the song.”
METAL Magazine
“It’s another message from the reclusive talent, who blends folk tropes with neat pop elements.”
CLASH Magazine
“Plain Mister Smith crafts a world of both entrancing absurdity and dark poignancy.”
Under the Radar Magazine
“Listening to Plain Mister Smith can really feel like voyaging lonesomely in a kayak or canoe in the Canadian wilderness.”
Atwood Magazine
The enigmatic Plain Mister Smith has unveiled a brand new EP, New Wave Angst, on the 22nd of February via Popoganda Records. This project, receiving support from notable tastemaker EARMILK,follows the release of three of its singles: ‘El Presidente’, ‘New Wave Sangfroid’ and ‘Grade Five and the Ax’. Plain Mister Smith continues to carve his own niche in the world of offbeat indie-folk with his witty songwriting while still managing to embrace the self-reflection and emotional lyrical themes the genre offers. Formerly the guitarist of the Canadian darkwave band Moev, the multi-talented artist now has his hands full as a cellist for the Vancouver Philharmonic Orchestra. Under the Plain Mister Smith moniker, his music has received publication support from CLASH Mag, NOTION Mag, Under The Radar Mag, EARMILK, NOCTIS Mag, METAL Mag and Atwood Mag among others.
Legend has it that Mark Jowett awoke one day to find himself face to face with a peculiar man in a pinstriped suit, whose globular head turned to meet his gaze. Unsure whether this figure was an apparition, an intruder, or a musical persona in ‘human’ form, Jowett was nonetheless intrigued. This mysterious encounter sparked the inception of his new venture – the creation of Plain Mister Smith. Geographically situated between Vancouver and London, this enigmatic musician is metaphorically transcendent. Maintaining an otherworldly presence in the public eye, the veiled virtuoso has quietly established a discreet space within the indie-pop realm.
New Wave Angst offers a panoply of genres and sounds that are sure to connect with fans of off-kilter indie folk rockers such as Neutral Milk Hotel, Sufjan Stevens, Elliot Smith and José González. From the wandering harmonies and acoustic 60’s psychedelia of ‘El Presidente’ (featuring vocals from Findlay Brown) to the new wave rhythms and sweeping synths colliding with acoustic atmospheres in ‘New Wave Sangfroid’, Plain Mister Smith’s atypical personality shines through in his varied arrangements, lilting vocal delivery and witty yet sincere lyrics.
Plain Mister Smith revealed: “The songs on this EP all touch on existential angst in one form or another. Whether it’s about the trials and tribulations of scraping by as fledging indie band (‘New Wave Sangfroid’), or as a tiny indie label (‘El Presidente’) or exploding with feelings of claustrophobia (‘Run, Fly or Sail’), these songs touch on pulling through by hook or by crook…”
SPOTIFY LINK: Plain Mister Smith – ‘Run, Fly Or Sail’
SOUNDCLOUD LINK: Plain Mister Smith – ‘Run, Fly Or Sail’