Over the last couple of months, we have been previewing Plasma Chasms’ debut album, Chrysalis, by spotlighting a series of single releases, so you can imagine how excited we were to experience the full record today!
Chrysalis is an audacious sonic voyage that defies conventional genre boundaries, inviting us on a transformative journey through realms of psychedelia. This ambitious work, crafted by the Australian-American duo Jane Drewett and Adrian Guerrero, transcends mere auditory experience, offering instead a cosmic narrative that unfolds with each track like chapters in a surreal novel. The album is a culmination of the duo’s efforts since forming in 2020 and releasing their self-titled EP in 2022, and it reveals a maturity and vision that is as cohesive as it is expansive.
Chrysalis opens with Enter The Chrysalis, an introduction track that acts as the gateway to the entire journey. It’s as if we step into a cosmic elevator, poised at the threshold of an interstellar journey. The soundscape is both ethereal and galactic, drawing us in with a promise of what’s to come. This teaser sets the thematic and tonal stage for the album, preparing us for a metamorphosis as we traverse through varied sonic worlds.
The next stop on this journey is Coolangatta, a track that introduces Eastern influences with its evocative sitar melodies. This song creates a sonic tapestry that feels like a blend of ancient mysticism and futuristic exploration, evoking the sense of floating between time and space. The experience is not just auditory but almost visual, painting vibrant, swirling images in the mind’s eye.
As the elevator ascends further into the sonic labyrinth, Psychedelic Carousel arrives with a burst of 60s power pop energy. This track is imbued with an emotional intensity reminiscent of iconic songs from the golden era of psychedelic rock, yet it carries a modern twist that makes it distinctly Plasma Chasms. The swirling harmonies and catchy hooks transport us into a colourful, kaleidoscopic world where time seems to fold in on itself.
Next up is Dreamers Often Lie, which takes a sharp turn into 90s grunge-adjacent territory, adding a gritty, raw edge to the album’s eclectic mix. This shift is seamless, highlighting the duo’s ability to traverse genres while maintaining the album’s overarching psychedelic theme. The track’s purring guitars and introspective lyrics add depth to the journey, exploring the corners of the human psyche.
One of the most impressive aspects of Chrysalis is its ability to create a unified experience from such diverse influences. Each track is a distinct world, yet they all contribute to the album’s larger narrative – a journey through the human condition, filtered through the lens of psychedelia.
Hourglass exemplifies this with its astral detailing and dreamlike vocals that invite us to awaken to a higher state of consciousness. The song feels like a moment of clarity, a brief pause in the journey where everything comes into focus.
Next is Kings And Castles, which follows with a majestic 80s vibe, complete with soaring synths and a rhythmic pulse that feels both nostalgic and futuristic. This track is a testament to Plasma Chasms’ mastery of genre-blending, combining elements of new wave, synth-pop, and rock into a cohesive whole. The lyrical themes of unrequited love and misunderstanding resonate deeply, as the duo’s voices intertwine in harmonies that are at once haunting and beautiful.
This leads us to Already Waiting, which stands out as a deeply introspective track, blending galactic synths with 80s-inspired drums to create a sound that is both nostalgic and forward-looking. The song’s emotional depth is palpable, as Drewett and Guerrero’s voices weave together in a haunting harmony that resonates with the theme of unrequited love. The lyrics explore the pain of misunderstanding and the revelation that what we perceive may not always be the truth. This track captures the tension of longing and realization, making it one of the album’s most poignant moments.
Painted Rain is a trippy, atmospheric piece that further cements Plasma Chasms’ ability to blend genres seamlessly. The syncopated drums drive the track forward, creating a rhythm that is both hypnotic and disorienting. Fans of The Beatles will find echoes of the Fab Four’s later, more experimental work here, particularly in the way the song layers complex instrumental textures. The track’s psychedelic edge is balanced by its lyrical depth, which reflects on the emotional storms we weather in life, painting a vivid picture of inner turmoil and eventual clarity.
Solaris continues the journey, opening with a vibrant power-pop vocal that soon gives way to stunning choral harmonies. The track’s upbeat and optimistic tone is a deliberate contrast to the darker themes explored earlier in the album. It’s a sonic beacon of hope, infused with a psychedelic edge that invites listeners to let go and embrace positivity. The song’s ethereal nature is enhanced by tonal bells and intricate instrumental solos, creating a rich, hypnotizing soundscape that feels like floating through the cosmos.
Offering a serene, almost meditative contrast to the more intense moments on the album, Just For You is a tender exploration of dedication and love, carried by gentle melodies and soothing vocals. The simplicity of the arrangement allows the emotion behind the lyrics to shine through, making it a heartfelt ode that feels like a calm oasis in the middle of the album’s cosmic journey. It’s a reminder that amidst the chaos of transformation, there is beauty in moments of stillness and devotion.
Interstellar Baby is another standout, merging modern psychedelia with the timeless charm of classic soul and vintage Motown vibes. The track is a mesmerizing blend of astral elements and soulful grooves, creating a soundscape that feels both familiar and otherworldly. It’s a love letter from the cosmos, inviting listeners to immerse themselves in a story of cosmic love at first sight. The production is intricate and dynamic, with each element glistening like stars in the night sky.
The penultimate track, Entropy, brings a mildly dramatic shift in tone with its tribal drums and darker, more intense energy. This track explores the concept of chaos and order, reflecting the tumultuous nature of transformation that is central to the album’s theme. The music swells and recedes like waves, pulling us deeper into the maelstrom before releasing them into the final act.
The album’s finale, Dream Wizard (The Cosmic Elevator Song), is an anthemic, electrifying conclusion that ties the entire journey together. The track builds to a roaring crescendo with powerful electric guitars and soaring vocals, creating a sense of finality and triumph. As the last notes fade, the sound of an elevator ping reverberates – a genius move that brings us full circle, back to the beginning of the journey. This simple yet profound detail transforms the album into a loop, suggesting that the journey through Chrysalis is not linear but cyclical, encouraging repeat listens to uncover new layers of meaning and experience.
In Chrysalis, Plasma Chasms have created more than just an album – they’ve crafted a cohesive, multidimensional experience that transcends genres and defies expectations. Each track is a portal to a different world, yet together they form a unified narrative that explores the intricacies of the human experience. From the cosmic elevator’s first ping to its final echo, Chrysalis is a masterful debut that will leave listeners eagerly awaiting the next journey.