Warsaw-based rock band Plaxton & the Void released two new songs this week. The digital single “We All Are One / If Silence Could Speak” went live on the group’s Bandcamp page Tuesday. “These songs are a continuation of our effort to keep our writing process fresh and explore new sounds and ideas while staying true to our acoustic-driven roots,” guitarist Joshua Jacoby is quoted as saying in a provided press release. The songs find Plaxton & the Void exploring new territory. “We All Are One” opens with only a sparse piano accompanying vocalist Joel Squires before erupting into the barreling, uplifting chorus from which the song gets its name. “If Silence Could Speak,” features dark melodies, haunting vocals and a dynamic, psychedelic instrumental interlude, the release states. The band won studio time at Digitracks Recording Studios in Fort Wayne for advancing to the finals of the 2014 Whatzup/Wooden Nickel Battle of the Bands last fall. “We All Are One” and “If Silence Could Speak” were written in early 2015. In late March, the band took the songs into Digitracks with engineer/producer Dan Middleton. “Recording at Digitracks was a new experience for us as a band,” said Jacoby. “We were fortunate to quickly develop a great working relationship with Dan, which allowed us to really nail down the sound we were looking for.” “Utilizing his knowledge and experience helped us bring the songs to the next level,” said drummer Tom Wagoner. “I think we can take what we learned and use that to produce even better songs in the future.” “The input of a producer that was not a band member pushed us to think more deeply about new vocal harmony parts that helped refine and define the songs,” said bassist Dave McCall. Plaxton & the Void debuted “We All Are One” last month with a music video directed by Katy Marshall. It has since amassed more than 500 views on the band’s YouTube channel. The songs are now available at http://plaxtonandthevoid.bandcamp.com/ The band has several upcoming performances in the local area: • 7:30 p.m., Friday, Ignition Music Garage, Goshen, $15 and $20 admission. • 6:30 p.m., July 3, First Friday, downtown Warsaw, free admission. • 9 p.m. Aug. 8, Chicory Cafe, South Bend, free admission. Plaxton & the Void includes Joel Squires on vocals, acoustic guitar; Joshua Jacoby on electric guitar, background vocals; Dave McCall on bass; Tom Wagoner on drums; and John Faulkner on keyboard and backing vocals. For more information, visit the band’s websites at: www.facebook.com/plaxtonandthevoid, www.youtube.com/PlaxtonAndTheVoid and plaxtonandthevoid.bandcamp.com
