REMAIN BLANK: Redefining Northern Grit with "Plastic Hooligans"
REMAIN BLANK is part of a new wave of alternative guitar music, closely resembling the energy of the current Irish alt scene rather than the traditional indie sound the region is known for. Their music is urgent, angry, and reflective of a generation shaped by 14 years of Conservative rule in the UK. Bolton-based and rooted in Alt/Post Punk, the band’s debut single, "Plastic Hooligans," released on July 29, 2024—a hard-hitting introduction to their sound.
From Pandemic Silence to Post-Punk Roar
Formed in the aftermath of the pandemic, REMAIN BLANK is the voice of a forgotten generation—the kids who were thrust into the chaos of online schooling and an isolating world. Spending two years holed up in rehearsal rooms, these 18-year-olds honed their sound, channeling their frustrations and lost youth into raw emotion, now ready to explode with a barrage of music.
The band’s lead single, "Plastic Hooligans," captures the angst and resilience of this new Northern wave of bands like Hungry and Dantzic. REMAIN BLANK is not here to sugarcoat; they stand in stark contrast to the polished, “arty” major label acts, delivering their take on the cost of living crisis and street-level drama.
A Song Born from Real-Life Encounters
Frontman Alex Heywood reveals the song’s origins: "Plastic Hooligans came from a couple of incidents where we were threatened by lads we called ‘plastic hooligans.’ We’d written a few drafts, but it never clicked until one rehearsal when the instrumentation fell into place in three minutes flat. Over a year and a half later, it’s become the closer of our set, leaving a lasting impact every time."
The track is a riff-heavy affair, marked by machine-gun guitars, relentless beats, and a cocky, captivating vocal hook. Its middle instrumental break showcases the surprising musical maturity of these young musicians. REMAIN BLANK is not just another band; they are the raw, gritty soundtrack of a generation reclaiming its voice.
