Tense guitar passages, latin inspired drum grooves and melancholic basslines lay the foundation for test plan’s latest single ‘It’s Not Enough’.
Bassist Rory Dickinson takes lead vocal duties for the first time, delivering a subdued performance that builds towards an explosive belt of cinematic catharsis, haunted bya repetitive mantra sung throughout the song. Dickinson’s lyrics delve into the scene of mourning, regret and self-reflection, mirroring cynical patterns in the wake of anxiety and self-defeat. One of test plan’s oldest songs, ‘It’s Not Enough’ explores the darker tones of the band’s sonic palette. The frenetic rhythms wash over the track leading to a kraut-rock infused instrumental passage before feedback and chaos descends again towards test plan’s loudest crescendo yet – an eruption of intensifying noise.
Accompanying the song, the surreal horror-infused music video directed by drummer and vocalist Max Mason explores a masked character urgently trying to find water, but unable to satisfy their thirst. Their hypnotic and disturbing journey is indicative of the music’s exploration of desperation and the disquieted sensation that bubbles under the surface of test plan’s music.
Teaming up once again with engineer and producer Darren Jones (Fat Dog, Gorillaz) from the band’s own north-London rehearsal studio, the
production pushes the most intense parts of the band’s sound to the forefront. Layers of visceral distortion and experimental flourishes punctuate through, capturing the claustrophobia of the gentle moments and the raw electricity in the midst of the carnage.
‘It’s Not Enough’ will be self-released on 20th August with their headline single launch show on 24th August at Paper Dress Vintage, London with Rampressue and Joshua Zero.
Keep your mind open.
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[Thanks to Rory from test plan!]