PLASTIC ICONS: THE FUTURE OF NYC
On Tuesday, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Matt Renaldo, singer-songwriter behind the band Plastic Icons, to discuss the band’s upcoming single, “My Angel (Adeiu),” as well as his anticipation and expectations for the band’s future. The Manhattan-based five-piece is additionally comprised of Eddie Krankowksi and Rob Zakotnik on rhythm and lead guitar, respectively, Jack Ramos on bass, and Matt Gazzano on drums. Still relatively young, the band only released their self-titled debut EP in May of 2025, coming together after the end of a previous group. Renaldo’s excitement for the band’s future is palpable, primarily centered around the idea that the group has finally begun to settle into their own sound, something he chooses to classify as “garage-pop.”
Set to release on February 20, “My Angel (Adieu)” is a darker twist than the band’s previous releases, undeniably grungy and 90s influenced. Renaldo chooses to describe it as a blend of “shoegaze-drenched guitars with a relentless rhythmic drive”. It’s exactly what the band needed, not a total departure from their original sound, but a step in a darker direction. The guitars are fuzzier, drums louder, and vocals grittier.
I also had the chance to discuss Plastic Icons’ music video plans for their upcoming song “All Too Much”. Through it, the band is looking to capitalize on their NYC identity, seeing opportunity for growth within New York’s indie-band scene. It’s impossible to discuss the city’s recent music history without mentioning The Strokes, and now, Geese–something Renaldo and I both found ourselves laughing at. Now, Plastic Icons is looking to utilize NYC’s role as a musical trendsetter to solidify their name amongst the city’s musical legends. As Renaldo puts it, the band has created “Melodies big enough to fit the massiveness of NYC.”
Most importantly, Renaldo wants listeners to know that he’s not afraid to make a statement. The last thing he wants is to be “pigeonholed” into the typical sound of a small band; if he's talking big, the band needs to create large-sounding songs to back up his words, which they do. Renaldo knows that Plastic Icons is destined for greatness, something that he wasn’t afraid to admit. The band’s determination doesn’t come off as arrogance, and, if anything, should be taken as an act of commitment to their music. This was most evident throughout our discussion of the upcoming single, “Want 2”, which features an elaborate string section towards the end of the song. Renaldo expressed his initial concerns over this, worried that the band wouldn’t be able to pull off the sound they were looking for on a smaller budget. However, they succeeded with the help of New Jersey producer Doug Gallow, something I can confirm after having the privilege of previewing the song early. “Want 2” helps demonstrate the duality the band is chasing, their way of demonstrating everything they’re capable of.
Renaldo firmly believes that Plastic Icons are at their best live, a claim he’s looking to back up with an upcoming slew of shows in New York City and Philadelphia. Stay up-to-date on future announcements for both music and shows at the band’s Instagram.