Plexi
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1993 |
| Headquarters | Los Angeles , United States |
| Products | Music albums, EPs, singles |
Plexi was a gothic noise rock group from the United States, established in 1993 under the original name Godseed. The band consisted of Michael Angelos (vocals, bass, songwriting), Michael Barragan (guitar, Echoplex, Moog), and Norm Block (drums). Their musical style merged elements of glam rock with experimental noise, often likened to acts such as Bauhaus, Sonic Youth, and My Bloody Valentine. Barragan’s distinctive use of the Echoplex contributed to their unique and turbulent sonic textures.
Recognized for their lavish aesthetic—featuring black leather attire, pronounced makeup, and tattoos—the trio delivered music that was both edgy and approachable, setting them apart in the 1990s alternative scene. A 1997 compilation by Sub Pop referred to them as "L.A.'s freshest Noxema [sic] girl," underscoring their resonance with rock audiences and their popularity at venues like the Viper Room.
Lipstick Glue: Early years
The inception of Plexi dates back to 1993 when film student Michael Angelos connected with guitarist Michael Barragan and drummer Norm Block. Their biography on Sub Pop included humorous fabricated details. In 1994, they debuted with an EP released through Boys Life Records, an independent label managed by the alternative rock band Campfire Girls. A 1995 promotional ad humorously suggested listening to Nick Drake’s Five Leaves Left instead of their EP.
In January 1995, Plexi recorded a follow-up EP over four days, which was issued by Seattle’s I.F.A. label during a tour supporting Archers of Loaf. These releases garnered attention from larger indie labels and brought them to the notice of Curtis W. Pitts, who had ties to Sub Pop’s Sunny Day Real Estate. Plexi playfully defined "I.F.A." as either "I'll Fight Anyone" or "I'll Fuck Anything." Cat motifs were prominently featured in the artwork of both EPs.
Cheer Up: Album release
Between December 1995 and January 1996, Plexi worked on their debut full-length album for Sub Pop. This moody, film noir–inspired record was ironically titled Cheer Up. After delays caused by staffing changes at Sub Pop, it was released in October 1996. The lead single, "Forest Ranger," contained notable pop-culture references and a catchy chorus. The album also featured reimagined versions of "Magnet" and "Peel" from their second EP, along with cello parts played by Rasputina’s Melora Creager on tracks "Ordinary Things" and "Star Star." In a 1996 interview, Angelos mentioned influences such as Aldous Huxley and David Bowie while responding with dark humor to questions about the album's themes.
Plexi toured alongside Bare Minimum, Zeke, Jack Off Jill, and Ednaswap, including a performance at an ESPN X Games qualifier in New Orleans. Cheer Up was reissued by Atlantic Records in summer 1997 featuring a remixed version of "Forest Ranger" and refreshed cover art. The music video for "Forest Ranger," directed by David Meyers, received substantial airplay on M2. Later that year, Plexi supported labelmates Sugar Ray and Smashmouth on a major tour. Dave Navarro named Cheer Up his favorite album of 1997.
Caught Up: Amsterdamed & its aftermath
Toward the end of 1998, Plexi recorded a second album in Amsterdam but disbanded shortly afterward without providing an official explanation; however, the members have maintained amicable relations. Angelos collaborated with Dave Navarro under the name Honeymoon Stitch on a Joy Division tribute track titled "Day of the Lords." Navarro suggested that difficulties during recording were partly due to substance abuse problems; although rumors linked heroin addiction to the band’s image, these claims remain unverified. Between 2002 and 2006, Plexi reunited sporadically for live shows in Los Angeles. Their song "Forest Ranger" appeared in the 2000 movie Book of Shadows: Blair Witch 2. Block briefly played drums for Jack Off Jill before forming Tape with Justin Warfield, who would later lead She Wants Revenge. Both Block and Barragan toured with Mark Lanegan for several years. Meanwhile, Angelos pursued acting roles in independent films such as When (1999) and worked on a solo album while transitioning into directing music videos.
In 2013, Plexi reunited for a charity concert benefiting Denise Franco, sharing the stage with Campfire Girls and Lifter.
Albums
- Cheer Up (1996, released on CD and LP by Sub Pop; reissued in July 1997 through Atlantic on CD and cassette)
EPs and Singles
- Plexi EP (April 1995, Boys Life)
- Included tracks: "Simple Man" – 3:04, "Na-Na" – 4:08, "Second Sunday" – 4:05, "Lipstick Glue" – 3:32, "Ganesh" – 1:13, "Hollow" – 4:42
- Plexi EP (1995, I.F.A.)
- Songs featured: "Either Way" – 2:28, "Magnet" – 2:29, "Faith Is" – 5:24, "Peel / He" – 5:26
- "Part of Me" & "Caught Up" (November 1995, Sub Pop, one-sided 7-inch vinyl)
- "Roller Rock Cam" (1997, promotional CD single via Sub Pop)
- Mountains EP (1997, Lava/Atlantic in collaboration with Sub Pop)
- Track listing: "Mountains" – 3:01; live recordings from June 25, 1997 at The Dragonfly club in Hollywood, CA include: "Forest Ranger" – 4:12, "Change" – 2:48, "Simple Man" – 2:48