Plakka is the brainchild and punk baby of BK13, lead vocalist and spokesperson for the project. Enlisting the help of his best mate Spanna on guitar, BK13 formed Plakka in 1997. Since it’s screaming entry into the world the musical project that is Plakka has enjoyed an array of members and contributors. Their line-up and musical style is constantly in flux and members have variously described their sound as Electro New Wave, Funk-Punk and, my personal favourite, Avant-Electric Non-stop Pop. Currently, BK13 and Spanna are joined by Nexus, curvaceous mistress of trumpet and shaking her booty, Jimbass on (you’ve guessed it) bass, and the mysterious La Batteuse Verte on Keyboard. However, with Plakka’s addiction to dynamism, this line-up could soon shift and change. Plakka is about energy and diversity, with influences as various as Soft Cell, Pulp, The Beach Boys and The Super Furry Animals. They focus on punch and playfulness and the impact of their live acts, rather than compiling recorded material. Their high-voltage performances are guaranteed to get the most uptight audience member making a happy fool of themselves, so seeing Plakka in the flesh is a must. Also, there is an added bonus to attending their gigs: if you get on Plakka’s good side, their private parties are as infamous as their live acts! -Niki Seth Smith