Powerplant - People in the Sun

Powerplant's debut LP, People in the Sun (2019), took the internet by storm when Harakiri Diat’s YouTube upload of the LP rallied tens of thousands of viewers in mere weeks. Scrollers were greeted by the cute and now iconic cover art, featuring a giddy paper cut-out of a smiling sun which welcomed all into a vivid 30 minute thrill ride. It mixed catchy and ethereal Gary Numan-esque synth melodies with addictive pouncing bass and personal yet relatable lyrics. The comfort of understanding the loneliness of nostalgia beams out of “Dungen”. The track became a musical safe haven, generating over two million Spotify streams. Six years after release, not only does People in the Sun stand the test of time and slowly but surely cement itself as a cult release of late 2010s punk, but it continues to connect and conquer hearts with its sonic and visual aesthetics. In commemoration of the 6 year anniversary of People in the Sun, Zhykharyev recorded a 44 minute long ‘ 6 Years in the Sun Commentary Album’, where he recalls the technical and emotional circumstances of coming up and making of the record.

In 2019 Powerplant grew into a full live band. Zhykharyev is joined by London’s best, Karim Newble (Hitmen, Island of Love), Cajm (Jeshi, John Glacier) and Lloyd Clipston (Arms Race, Second Death).

“It’s impossible to listen to Powerplant while sitting still.” Bandcamp, Kerry Cardoza
“It’s the bangers here that are undeniable.” Pitchfork, Evan Minsker
“London hardcore’s weirdest band.” Loud&Quiet, Don Healy