Album Review: Plumes by Ginnels – A Hidden Gem from Spain
If you’re into music that feels like a warm hug but also has enough edge to keep things interesting, Plumes by Ginnels might just be your next obsession. Released back in 2013 on the Spanish label Tenorio Cotobade, this indie pop/alternative rock album is one of those records that sneaks up on you. It’s not flashy or trying too hard—it just quietly wins you over with its charm and sincerity.
The whole thing was pretty much a one-man show, with Mark Chester handling everything from writing to recording to mixing and mastering. You can tell he poured his heart into it, and while the production isn’t perfect (it’s got this slightly raw, DIY vibe), it adds to the album's personality. The artwork and layout were done by Mark and Ruan, respectively, giving the whole project a cohesive, handmade feel.
Now let’s talk tracks. There are some real standouts here, but two songs stuck with me for different reasons: “Heathwaite Wood” and “Wake Up Normal.”
“Heathwaite Wood” is one of those tunes that kinda washes over you at first, but then BAM—it hits you right in the feels. The melody is simple yet haunting, and there’s something about the way the guitar chimes alongside the vocals that makes it feel nostalgic, even if you’ve never been to Heathwaite Wood (wherever that is). I found myself humming it days later without realizing it. It’s the kind of song you’d listen to while staring out a train window, watching the world blur past.
Then there’s “Wake Up Normal,” which closes out the album. This track leans more into the alternative side of Ginnels’ sound, with punchy drums and a driving rhythm that feels almost defiant. Lyrically, it seems to wrestle with identity and expectations—stuff we all deal with—but instead of getting preachy, it leaves you thinking. Plus, the energy picks up just enough to leave you feeling hopeful rather than drained. Ending an album on such a strong note? Respect.
One thing I gotta mention is how consistent the record feels despite having 18 tracks. Yeah, 18! Some albums would crumble under their own weight, but Plumes manages to stay engaging throughout. Sure, a couple of songs blend together, but hey, that’s part of its charm. It’s less like a collection of singles and more like a journey. You wouldn’t skip chapters in a good book, right?
So yeah, Plumes may not have blown up internationally, but maybe that’s okay. Sometimes the best albums are the ones that fly under the radar, waiting for the right listener to stumble across them. Listening to this felt like finding a note someone left behind—a little piece of Mark Chester’s world tucked away in time.
And honestly? That’s kinda beautiful. Oh, fun fact: whoever decided to name the band “Ginnels” clearly knew what they were doing because now I’ll never forget it. What even is a ginnel, anyway?
