2025-09-10

New Single: Angela Rayner

The public squares and digital arenas now reverberate with a singular, echoing discord; the tribal roar drowns out all measured dialogue. A single figure, a lone tax issue, becomes the battleground where allegiances are forged or shattered, rendering any form of temperate consideration utterly extinct. The binary of our political moment, you see, dictates a picking of sides with no space left for the quiet, dispassionate appraisal of facts. It's a curious devolution where professional failure, a genuine inability to fulfill a brief—to build homes, to heal a struggling health-service, or to manage migratory flows, often pales next to a private misstep. Our collective political heart has supplanted our head, and emotion now sits as the primary arbiter of public consequence.

This is not a song about Angela Rayner.

This is not a song about Angela Rayner.

There is a long, long line to politicians before her who should have done better.

Perhaps, we get the rulers we deserve.

2025-08-14

Can Twin Peaks be explained?

Executive Summary

This post critically analyses the YouTube video "Twin Peaks ACTUALLY EXPLAINED (No, Really)", produced by Twin Perfect, which purports to offer a definitive interpretation of David Lynch and Mark Frost's seminal television series.  While the video presents a compelling, thoroughly researched, and singular thesis, primarily focusing on Twin Peaks as a meta-commentary on television violence and Laura Palmer's trauma, this analysis argues that such a reductive approach ultimately diminishes the work's inherent ambiguity and multi-layered artistic intent.  Drawing upon critical responses, particularly Maggie Mae Fish's rejoinder and David Lynch's stated philosophy on artistic interpretation, this post concludes that Twin Peaks thrives precisely because it resists singular explanations, inviting diverse, subjective experiences rather than demanding a definitive solution.  The pursuit of a definitive "explanation" for Lynch's surrealist art often misses its core essence: to be felt and experienced, leaving room for individual rumination and varied interpretations.

The very act of creating a video that promises to "ACTUALLY EXPLAINED (No, Really)" a work as complex as Twin Peaks highlights a fundamental tension present in the consumption of art.  This tension exists between an audience's innate desire for cognitive closure, a need to understand and categorise, and an artist's deliberate cultivation of ambiguity.  The title itself functions as a marketing hook, tapping into a perceived need for clarity regarding a notoriously ambiguous show[1].   David Lynch, a co-creator of Twin Peaks, has consistently expressed a preference for his work to be "experienced, felt"[2, 3], actively resisting attempts to provide definitive interpretations[1, 3].  This creates a direct philosophical conflict between the creator's intent and certain audience expectations.  The popularity of such "explanation" videos, as suggested by their persistent presence in YouTube algorithms, underscores a broader cultural trend where complex media is increasingly consumed as a "riddle with a solution"[3].  This approach, while satisfying a human cognitive bias towards finding order in chaos, may inadvertently diminish the experiential and subjective dimensions that are integral to the artistic design of works like Twin Peaks.

For those looking to dive deeper into the show and develop their own unique insights, consider using the Twin Peaks Viewing Companion.  It provides a structured way to track episodes, note observations, and engage with the series on a personal level, fostering your own conclusions about its mysteries.

2025-07-08

2025-09-06 Amersham Arms, London

GIG CANCELLATION

Amersham Arms, London - 6th September 2025

We are incredibly sorry to announce that our upcoming show at the Amersham Arms in London on Saturday, 6th September 2025 has been cancelled due to circumstances beyond our control.

We are gutted that we won't be able to play for you and want to sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. We were really looking forward to this gig and we understand the decision was not made lightly.

All tickets should be automatically refunded by the ticket provider. If you have any issues with your refund, please contact them directly.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support.

— The PlasticSole Team

For more updates, follow us on our social media channels.

2025-06-29

2025-06-29 Festival Republic 2025: A Sonic Journey at Crystal Palace Park

On Sunday 29th June 2025, Crystal Palace Park transformed into a haven for music lovers as Festival Republic brought together an eclectic lineup headlined by the legendary Deftones. The Italian Terraces echoed with sounds ranging from soulful jazz to blistering industrial metal, offering a day of sonic exploration that was as unpredictable as it was unforgettable.

2025-06-28

2025-06-28 Linkin Park at Wembley: A Night of Power, Poise, and Heart

On Saturday 28th June 2025, Linkin Park took the stage at Wembley Stadium for what was billed as their biggest show ever. Part of the From Zero World Tour, the night was a celebration of resilience, connection, and the enduring power of music to move us—even when words fall short.

2025-06-25

Navigating the Noise: A Musician's Essential Guide to Spotting Legitimate Music Promotion

Hey fellow artists,

We all know the dream: pouring our heart and soul into creating music, then watching it connect with listeners around the world.  But in today's crowded digital landscape, getting your tracks heard can feel like shouting into a hurricane.  The internet is buzzing with companies promising to boost your streams, get you on playlists, and make you the next big thing.  It's exciting, but also incredibly confusing — and sometimes, downright risky.

2025-06-24

Your Roadmap to Real Streams: The Independent Artist's Blueprint for Organic Growth

Hey fellow artists and music creators,

In today's vibrant but incredibly crowded music scene, simply making great music isn't enough.  With tens of thousands of new songs hitting streaming platforms every single day, getting your tracks heard by genuine listeners and building a sustainable career can feel like an uphill battle.   We've all seen the promises of overnight success, but navigating the world of music promotion can be confusing, costly, and sometimes, even risky.

2025-06-22

2025-06-22 Forever Now Festival 2025: A Day of Sonic Nostalgia and Surprises

Milton Keynes Bowl played host to the inaugural Forever Now Festival, a celebration of post-punk, new wave, goth, and alternative rock. With a lineup stacked with legends and cult favourites, the day unfolded like a mixtape of musical eras—chaotic, polished, droney, and euphoric.

2025-06-14

2025-06-14 Download Festival 2025: Echoes of Donington Past and Present-Day Pains

I took my kids to their first festival on the Saturday this year, and while it didn’t quite match the glory days of Donington—those unforgettable Monsters of Rock events in 1990, ’91, ’92, and ’95—it still had its moments. The weather was kind, with just 20 minutes of rain, and we came prepared. No soggy socks, no drama.

2025-06-13

Philosophical David

Dear Listener!

When we were teenagers, we were going to be Rockstars.

Its only taken 30 odd years, but in April this year we got the chance to fulfil that dream, when we got the chance to record a couple of tracks for a proper, independent Recording Company.

2025-06-07

"Billionaires & Presidents" by The Sextion (a sub-division of PlasticSole) - A Rapid-Fire Commentary on Power

"Billionaires & Presidents" is a cynical and critical commentary on the close, often corrupt, relationship between powerful political figures (Presidents) and wealthy individuals (Billionaires and Oligarchs). The track implies a system where these elites mutually benefit at the expense of ordinary people.

2025-05-25

2025-05-25 Anfield Ascension: Liverpool Crowned Champions, My Treble Complete

On Sunday 25th May 2025, Anfield erupted in a sea of red as Liverpool lifted the Premier League trophy after a 1–1 draw against Crystal Palace. It was a moment decades in the making—the first time since 1990 that the Reds hoisted the league title in front of a packed home crowd. For me, it marked something even more personal: the completion of my domestic treble of trophy lifts.

2025-05-16

Fixing Home Sharing Issues on macOS Sequoia

If you recently upgraded to macOS Sequoia and found that your Apple TV can no longer access your music library via Home Sharing, you’re not alone. Fortunately, there’s a simple fix that resolves this issue—computer authorization!

2025-05-14

2025-05-13 and 2025-05-14 Twenty One Pilots at The O2: A Tale of Two Nights and One Epic Finale

After Slipknot at Christmas, it was Child #2’s turn to step into the spotlight—and what better way than two nights at The O2 Arena with their uncle and me, watching the magnificent, genre-defying Twenty One Pilots. From the moment we arrived, the excitement was palpable. And the best part? We got to do it all over again the next night.

2025-04-29

2025-03-05

How to Set Up a NoIP Service for Your Home Network

These instructions are designed to run on a Raspberry Pi. If you don't have a Raspberry Pi or need help setting it up, check out the sections on purchasing a Raspberry Pi and configuring it for the first time.

2025-02-19

How to Install and Set Up an ARMA Reforger Server

Setting up an ARMA Reforger server can be a rewarding experience, allowing you and your friends to enjoy cooperative gameplay on a dedicated server. Follow this step-by-step guide to install and configure your ARMA Reforger server.

2025-02-15

Live at The Eight Belles

PlasticSole - Live at The Eight Belles

This one is really special to me. 
Back in 2011, when my wife was diagnosed with leukaemia, I turned to music as a coping mechanism. I immersed myself in Paul McCartney’s solo back catalog because it’s filled with positive vibes. So, when it came time to choose cover songs for this gig, I asked my band mates to learn some Macca songs, and they obliged. I’m thrilled that we uncovered these recordings, allowing us to release them. This EP is an incredible record of the end of some very dark times.

2024-02-15 The Hobbit, Southampton

PlasticSole

On 15th February 2025 we played at The Hobbit Pub, 134 Bevois Valley Road, Southampton.

2025-02-15 HMV Winchester

Following on from our successful performance at HMV Milton Keynes, we played another stripped back in-Store Performance at HMV Winchester. We hoped you enjoyed the intimate, mellowish vibe as we shared renditions and connect with you face-to-face.