Plastik Boxes is a Minneapolis-based melancholic synth-pop duo founded in 2019. The duo’s writers are Efren Maldonado on keys (a.k.a Pye Luis) and Greg Johnson on vocals and guitar (a.k.a Greg Online), both musicians from the Twin Cities.
Plastik Boxes released their self-titled debut EP in the spring of 2019, featuring the single “Motionless”, with City Pages’ Jerard Fagerberg writing:
“Plastik Boxes are a brand new band, but they feel familiar. Listening to them is like watching Stranger Things—the aesthetic is so on point that it makes you wonder if it actually existed in the ’80s. Their debut single 'Motionless' is flush with early MTV synths and danceable ennui. The lyrics flash across the screen, looking like the title cards from a Jane Fonda exercise video, an uncanny imitation of humanity’s most stylized decade.”
Plastik Boxes followed up with their debut full-length album, Late Bloom, featuring the singles “Head Nurse”, and “Windstorm”. Emma Manley of Twin Cities’ publication The Current writes of “Head Nurse”:
“Plastik Boxes describe themselves as 'melancholy synth pop,' and that’s pretty spot-on for this track. With sweet, soaring vocals and a background of dreamy synths, it feels nostalgic and hopeful; plus, there are gorgeous shots of downtown St. Paul.”