Biography
From Colchester, England, the dark alt-pop duo Plaitum crafts otherworldly electropop characterized by intoxicating synth leads, cavernous vocals drenched in reverb, pulsating beats, and fuzzy basslines. Abigail Dersiley and Matt Canham, who forged a friendship in early childhood, encountered the boundary-pushing sounds of Massive Attack and Talking Heads during their teenage years. This exposure ignited their own creative impulses, leading them to establish Plaitum in 2011.
They assembled a rudimentary recording space in a bedroom, where they composed lyrics, captured various sonic elements and melodic concepts, and slowly assembled the foundations for future tracks. Their work eventually drew the notice of acclaimed producer Paul Epworth, known for collaborations with Adele, Bloc Party, and London Grammar, resulting in a signing to his Wolf Tone Records imprint.
As their material developed, the pair focused on their initial self-titled EP, beginning with demos in their bedroom setup before finishing the recordings alongside Epworth at the Church Studios located in Crouch End, London.
The EP, issued toward the end of 2015, earned positive critical attention, prompting comparisons to the American glitch and noise rock group HEALTH, the Canadian synth pop pair Purity Ring, and the catchy vocal hooks of English electropop performer Charli XCX. Remaining active, they followed up in 2016 with the Jagwa EP and the single pairing Grace Hits with MYO. A visually striking artistic video accompanied the latter track, showcasing accomplished vogue dancers who counted among the personal acquaintances of Dersiley and Canham.
In 2017, Plaitum unveiled their first full-length album, Constraint. Critics responded favorably overall, highlighting the intricate, multi-layered, and nuanced production values as well as the evocative lyrics that wove together recurring motifs including self-examination and broken interpersonal connections. Throughout the remainder of that year, the duo supported the release through multiple performances across London and other parts of the United Kingdom.
They assembled a rudimentary recording space in a bedroom, where they composed lyrics, captured various sonic elements and melodic concepts, and slowly assembled the foundations for future tracks. Their work eventually drew the notice of acclaimed producer Paul Epworth, known for collaborations with Adele, Bloc Party, and London Grammar, resulting in a signing to his Wolf Tone Records imprint.
As their material developed, the pair focused on their initial self-titled EP, beginning with demos in their bedroom setup before finishing the recordings alongside Epworth at the Church Studios located in Crouch End, London.
The EP, issued toward the end of 2015, earned positive critical attention, prompting comparisons to the American glitch and noise rock group HEALTH, the Canadian synth pop pair Purity Ring, and the catchy vocal hooks of English electropop performer Charli XCX. Remaining active, they followed up in 2016 with the Jagwa EP and the single pairing Grace Hits with MYO. A visually striking artistic video accompanied the latter track, showcasing accomplished vogue dancers who counted among the personal acquaintances of Dersiley and Canham.
In 2017, Plaitum unveiled their first full-length album, Constraint. Critics responded favorably overall, highlighting the intricate, multi-layered, and nuanced production values as well as the evocative lyrics that wove together recurring motifs including self-examination and broken interpersonal connections. Throughout the remainder of that year, the duo supported the release through multiple performances across London and other parts of the United Kingdom.
Albums
Singles
