Plain Mister Smith Finds His Groove on Reflective New Album 'Bric-a-Brac attack'

With 'Bric-a-Brac attack', Plain Mister Smith continues to carve out a distinctive space where indie-folk, alternative songwriting and richly textured musicianship intersect. Released via Amelia Records, the sophomore album reflects the Vancouver- and London-based artist’s eclectic background, bringing together an instinct for melody and storytelling with the kind of considered musicianship that comes naturally to a multi-instrumentalist. A former guitarist for Canadian darkwave outfit Moev and a cellist with the Vancouver Philharmonic Orchestra, Plain Mister Smith approaches songwriting with a broad musical vocabulary, but never allows that versatility to overshadow the songs themselves.

That balance is central to 'Bric-a-Brac attack'. Rather than settling into one defined sonic lane, the album moves through an assortment of warm acoustic textures, understated rhythms and melodic arrangements, unified by Plain Mister Smith’s characteristically observant songwriting. There is a sense of humour and wit threaded through his work, but it is matched by a more reflective sensibility, giving the album an emotional depth that reveals itself gradually. His songs feel lived-in rather than overly polished, with an emphasis on atmosphere, personality and the small details that can turn an everyday experience into something resonant.

Focus track “Grindavik” is particularly effective in establishing that tone. Opening with bright, shimmering acoustic guitars, the song takes inspiration from a return to Grindavík, the Icelandic town shaped by recent volcanic activity. Plain Mister Smith uses the setting as more than simple scenery, instead turning it into a backdrop for a song about memory, place and the passage of time. There is an inherent sense of nostalgia within the writing, but “Grindavik” avoids becoming overly sentimental, retaining a lightness through its groove and melodic movement.

The track’s rhythmic foundation is deceptively straightforward, with unsyncopated drums providing a steady pulse beneath an evolving chord progression. That simplicity allows the arrangement to breathe, creating a striking contrast between the song’s intimate lyrical perspective and its expansive musical atmosphere. Guest appearances from Jordan Klassen and Kitt further enrich the composition, adding subtle layers of vocal and instrumental colour without disrupting the song’s natural flow.

The result is an album that rewards attention without demanding it. 'Bric-a-Brac attack' feels comfortable in its own company, allowing its ideas and arrangements to unfold naturally while keeping the songwriting firmly at the centre. With “Grindavik” providing one of its most memorable entry points, Plain Mister Smith delivers a thoughtful and characterful sophomore release, one that finds plenty of room for both curiosity and reflection within its eclectic sound.

Watch the video for 'Grindavik' here:

Stream the album now: