A Plastic Rose

A Plastic Rose

A Plastic Rose are a group from Belfast and Nottingham that form in 2006 and remain active. They release music on Di Di Mau and work across emo, grunge, post-hardcore, rock and shoegaze, with a sound described as catchier alternative rock shaped by mid-1990s post-hardcore and shoegaze influences.

Formation and lineup

The band forms as a four-piece in August 2006. It comes together when bassist Troy and drummer Dave answer a call from Gerry, who plays guitar and sings, and Ian, who also plays guitar and sings. The members are described as coming from Sligo and Tyrone.

Releases and live activity

A Plastic Rose build a profile through EPs, singles and live performances. They appear on television on UTV’s Live At The Limelight and play multiple radio sessions across Ireland. Their live work includes appearances at Glasgowbury, Hard Working Class Heroes, Unconvention, and the Leeds and Reading festivals. They also share stages with Frank Turner, Explosions In The Sky, Fightstar, And So I Watch You From Afar and Fighting With Wire.

Broadcast support and recognition

Their debut single, All You Know And Love Will Die, receives airplay across BBC Radio 1, with Jo Whiley, Edith Bowman, Nihal, Huw Stevens and Tom Robinson among the presenters who play it. The group is described as the first unsigned band to be playlisted on BBC Radio 1. In 2008, BBC Across The Line names them among its Acts of the Year.

Related artists and reception

The band attracts support from Charlie Simpson, who calls them one of Ireland’s best up-and-coming bands, and from Gary Lightbody, who includes them in a list of Northern Irish bands to watch. Their own description of their style includes “nu-wave-disco-grunge-old-skool-emo”.