Sophie Payten, otherwise known as Gordi, is about to release her latest album ‘Like Plasticine’, which is an entrancing immortalisation of youth, death, and everything that comes in between. Inspired by her time working in hospitals during the pandemic, the album delves into complex emotions and Payten’s experiences of being surrounded by death, which made her cherish life more.
The album begins with spluttering track ‘GD (Goddamn)’, which was recorded in its entirety on an iPhone. The track has a melancholic and resentful air, but as the song progresses, it turns to a lighter sound due to Payten’s ethereal vocals and alternative, glittering production. Distorted synths and fragmented vocals make this experimental track the perfect start to the album.
‘Alien Cowboy’ has a satisfying depth to it, both in sound and lyrics. The song’s experimental electronic production gives it conflicting melancholic and comforting feelings. ‘Cutting Room Floor’ starts off as an upbeat soft-indie track, with raw lyrics about no longer having someone in your life. Despite the sadness of its lyrics, the track’s cheerful sound gives it an air of positivity, perhaps hinting that Payten has made peace with the loss which she sings about.
‘Peripheral Lover’ is a driving indie-pop song with shimmering production and melodic vocals. Soaring choruses and reflective lyrics make this a very danceable and enjoyable song. On this track, Payten lays bare her desires to be seen and treated as a priority in honest lyrics, exploring the complexities of coming out and being in the early stages of a new relationship. This is a catchy and relatable track that is sure to be a fan-favourite.
With emotive vocals and a soft sound, ‘Lunch At Dune (feat. SOAK)’ is an introspective and calming song. ‘Settle’ combines contemplative piano with haunting vocals. Payten’s ability to create captivating ballads is evidenced in these two songs. The tracks create a sort of relaxed interlude in the middle of the album, which is overall more fast-paced and punchy.
‘Diluted’ has a spiritual feel to it. Starting off with piano and echoing vocals, the song builds up to an emotional crescendo. Combining drum machines and gospel-like vocals, ‘Your Consolation Prize’ acknowledges the difficulties queer people face, and the lingering feeling of being an outsider that never really goes away. This introspective and entrancing track shows Payten’s true talent: her ability to craft a touching song inspired by her deepest emotions that has universal appeal.
‘PVC Divide (Feat. Anais Mitchell)’ is captivating and heavenly, with acoustic guitar, alternative production and layered vocals. Mitchell’s soft singing is the perfect addition to the song, enhancing the emotional feel of it. Inspired by working in hospitals during the pandemic, a theme which runs throughout the whole album, this song is the quintessential ‘Like Plasticine’ track. It is a touching tribute to a special bond that she formed with one of her patients.
Coming to a close with ‘Automatic’, the album’s conclusion is a stark reminder of the struggles of working in healthcare. The lyrics explore the complex emotions that come up and which you have to suppress when you’re the bearer of bad news. The song has an existential feeling to it, owing to the screaming electric guitar and loud drums.
‘Like Plasticine’ illustrates Payten’s impressive ability to preserve her experiences in her music. By including both the light and dark, represented in the album’s textured soundscapes and emotive vocals, Payten accurately captures her experiences surrounding life and death.
The album is set for release via Mushroom Music on the 8th of August. Connect with Gordi online to keep up to date with her, and catch her live at one of the dates below.
Gordi UK Live Dates:
Tuesday 13th May – The Lower Third, London
Wednesday 14th May – The Cellars, Bristol
Friday 16th & Saturday 17th May – The Great Escape, Brighton
(more dates to be announced)
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