PLASTERSUN – DELUSIONS OF GRANDEUR – SINGLE REVIEW – AND VIDEO RELEASE

“Instead of introducing themselves politely, they’ve kicked the door down on their way in. They feel like the sort of band to pop up in pub venues today and suddenly next year they’ll be gracing festival stages.”

5/5

Southampton post-punk band Plastersun continue their string of 2025 releases with their new single ‘Delusions of Grandeur’.

The 5-piece rockers have already released a 4 song EP this year, named ‘Hunger’ and they are continuing to pump out new material.

Recorded in the New Forest and produced by Phil Wilks, this pulsating post-punk anthem explores the theme of a lead singer with an inflated ego and how they perceive the world.

The band consists of Fergus McLean (Vocals), Valentina Longo (Bass and vocals), Rai Owen (Drums), Stephen Baker (Guitar) and Oliver White (Guitar).

Inspired by Bukowski’s poem ‘Bluebird’, Plastersun explore feelings of delusional self-importance and the perils of performative personality. The song was written in the lulls of a post gig comedown.

Talking to Songbird HQ, frontman McLean said:

“This is a frustrated but fun song that encapsulates how an inflated ego makes you see the world”.

The song starts with crashing drums and a roaring guitar. Listeners will sense the opening riff bounce up and down the frets before a pause to allow McLean the room to deliver his poetical lyricism.

Longo harmonises with him during the bridge, before the band rip into a high energy, punk-laden chorus. They’ve had an incredibly prolific 2025 already, releasing ‘Death by Misadventure’ in January, ‘Pleasure Circus’ in March, ‘Seconds’ in May and ‘Hunger’ in July, the title track of an EP including the 4 tracks.

Formed in Southampton during lockdown, they formed a musical bond of their influences that include ska/punk like The Specials, Magazine and Gang of Four, as well as contemporary guitar music like The Libertines, Bloc Party and Blur.

They describe their music as a contrast – melancholic yet euphoric and gritty yet ethereal. Now with a handful of powerful songs under their belts, they’ve already made a name for themselves in the South Coast and are gracing stages in London too.

Their live shows this year include supporting The Bluetones at the O2 Academy Islington, featuring in the Camden Weekender Festival and opening the main stage and Playing the Field Festival in Eastleigh, Hampshire.

In this new song, ‘Delusions of Grandeur’, Plastersun have dragged the ghost of British post-punk into the modern day, proving that the pulse of guitar music is far from flatlining. They’re ones to look out for in the South Coast and beyond, as they tip their hats towards the indie sleaze era, whilst simultaneously showcasing their appreciation of punk.

Instead of introducing themselves politely, they’ve kicked the door down on their way in. They feel like the sort of band to pop up in pub venues today and suddenly next year they’ll be gracing festival stages.

Listen to ‘Delusions of Grandeur’ here now