Plastic Handgun - Involuntary Memories (Self-Released)

Plastic Handgun is the solo project of Toronto artist Mark Di Giovanni. Handling production himself as well as playing all instruments himself, Di Giovanni has just released his new album, Involuntary Memories. The sound itself is a more electronic offshoot of shoegaze, influenced by bands like MGMT and Animal Collective, yet he has taken those influences and stretched them out to their most experimental ends. Many of the songs here are instrumentals, like the superb “Capillary Vessel,” but the difference is almost unnoticeable because even when he does sing, it’s more for an emotional Elizabeth Fraser effect.

There’s has been proposed the question of could a band like The Jesus and Mary Chain or My Bloody Valentine exist today, and Plastic Handgun certainly offers a small glimpse into the possibilities of what they could sound like with today’s modern electronics. There are still plenty of guitars, like the brilliant looping and feedback on “Eustachian Tube,” but they share equal space with the synthesizers. “Selective Living” is actually highly reminiscent of Durutti Column with its layers upon layers of guitars and spinning dreaminess. The overall sound of the album is remarkable for the work of one individual; it’s scope alone could be chalked up to entire studio of session musicians. Involuntary Memories is certainly one memorizing and engaging listen from a voice deserving to be heard.