Platonic Sex - Live in London + Interview

Platonic Sex is currently on their first tour in the UK and I was lucky enough to catch them in London on the 12th of May – not native to London, I struggled to find my way to the gig, but quickly heard the noise leaking from their practice whilst I was on the street and followed the sound, and there they were. 

Aussie-based but well on their way to international stardom, having burst onto the scene in 2021 with their enigmatic double singles ‘Try Hard’ and ‘Teeth’ they are a force to be reckoned with. 

Bridgette Brandolini, the lead vocalist, has a voice drowning in raw emotion – it would be impossible not to feel something when listening to them serve their innermost thoughts to you on a silver platter. 

If you’re familiar with the Aussie rock scene at the minute, you’ll be familiar with Jane Milroy (also a member of Melaleuca). It’s beginning to seem that everything Milroy touches turns to gold.

Finally, we have Ryan Hammermeister on the drums – each time Hammermeister hits the drum set it feels like your heart is being hit directly. A pro at using the drumkit as a communication tool, there is nothing left to the imagination, you know exactly what he is conveying to you.

Platonic Sex is more than a band, they’re a family – it’s apparent through their ability to write and perform songs which cover such vulnerable topics with one another, their banter, and their protectiveness of one another. Brandolini was feeling under the weather at the gig, and Milroy and Hammermeister tried their best (and successfully may I add) to introduce the songs and their influences. Also, if Brandolini wasn’t feeling the best, it did not affect their vocals – vocals which can’t help but infect everyone with a rage that can only be described as cathartic.

I spoke to Jane Milroy in April of this year, and when I asked about their lore Milroy told me that the band began in 2019 with ‘Brando’ and Hammermeister – with Milroy focusing on Melaleuca at the time, a quick Instagram DM exchange with Brando and attending a Platonic Sex show, Milroy was convinced. Full-time teacher turned rock star.

I asked how they channel their feelings into their songwriting and use their production as a mode to bring their music to life and Milroy replied with: 

“Usually one of us has a verse/chorus that we have written prior to practice and then we bring it to practice and flesh it out as a band. We also discuss influences, what songs we want it to sound like and go from there. Once we have the bones of a song then we really play with our guitar tones and drum sounds.”

Their music video for GRIP is so heartwarming and endearing – truly bringing the song to life and showcasing the love they have for one another and the community which the band provides. Milroy credits their friend Bridget Webb (‘Boog’ to the band) with helping the band with their creative process – and making the GRIP music video as sweet as it is.

When asked about their favourite track to perform live, Milroy took the liberty of speaking on behalf of the whole band, telling me:

“I think we could all agree that our favourite part of our set at the moment is playing two of our songs from our upcoming album – Shark Teeth and Impress You. They are really heavy tracks with cool breakdowns, we get to shredddddd.”

Remember when I said that Platonic Sex are a family? Well, one of their favourite memories together affirms that sentiment – with some of their favourite moments together being the small intimate ones, e.g., drinking cups of tea, eating tasty dinners, playing intense card games, and writing/planning their debut album, all in a little shack on an island.

If you’re a fan of Momma, Pretty Sick, Beabadoobee, Indigo De Souza, or Slow Pulp – these are a few of Platonic Sex’s current influences, which implies that Platonic Sex are about to be on your summer mixtape.

So, what does 2024 hold for Platonic Sex?

“Recording our debut album, releasing a single, touring including Aus and the UK (catching flights, not feelings), expanding our audience, making more memories and getting the name PLATONIC SEX out there.”

Listen to Platonic Sex’s new single ‘Hanging Out The Window’ and try to catch them on their UK tour this month! 

Platonic Sex – consider your audience expanded.

Bandcamp: https://platonic-sex.bandcamp.com