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The Pure Plastic Tree
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About
Not your ordinary band., The Pure Plastic Tree were an all-acoustic collective that played with the power and abandon usually reserved for their electrified compatriots. Their folk-derived arrangements were infused with a punk sensibility belying their minimalist philosophies. The starkness and brevity of their songs reveal a sense of beauty and depth often missing from the aural landscape.
Determindly independent and non-conventional in approach, the PPT provided yet another original offering from the diverse and vibrant musical scene of Dayton, Ohio.
The band worked actively on both the stage and in the recording studio, resulting in a full-length cassette release, followed shortly thereafter by their 7" vinyl record "Iscrap" which garnered a host of positive reviews. They also provided their highly unique musical style to various film projects, including the acclaimed "Once In A While" by Dayton filmmaker John Mays.
After the band retreated into a host of individual projects, they re-emerged in the mid-90's, playing a series of shows featuring an extensive new body of work. These efforts culminated in a flurry of studio activity, from which was distilled their 1995 CD release "The Action Poets vs. George The King Of Swing".
Recordings
"The Action Poets vs. George The King of Swing"
From the band that was "unplugged" before unplugged was fashionable comes this collection of some of their best material. It's all-acoustic, but with an emotional breadth and diversity which is unusual in pretty much any style of rock. Tight rockers, beautiful punk pop, jazzy-style instrumentals and even some acoustic heavy metal. "Alternative" in the true sense of the word. Music to make you feel better about life while still acknowledging some of it's darker undersides.
"Iscrap"
The band's first record release. This 7" feature's their upbeat, violin-driven folk rocker "Mesmerize". A great tune to get you started in the morning in a good mood. Also included is the non-CD track "Billy's Olds", a tense and powerful song which winds it's way between slinky minor-key rock progressions and acoustic onslaughts.
The Pure Plastic Tree Live Television Performance
Not your normal musical television performance, as this video captures the band's appearance on live television during Big Beef's Dayton Bands Marathon program that was cablecast live throughout the greater Dayton, OH region. Real music with real instruments playing in real time. Complete with lots of unique film and video effects which were actually part of the live program as it was cablecast.
"This quintet plays with intelligence and style. Annette's violin is a real standout, and Michael's vocals have a terrific sense of urgency. The songs travel from soft mellow day folk to upbeat intense jazz. An all around great album. Favorite tracks include "Marrianne", "George The King Of Swing" and "Mark Kramer". Just put this on and let it spin."
- INDIE STREET
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"Another excellent Dayton export, The Pure Plastic Tree, have recently released a fantastic CD, "The Action Poets vs. George The King Of Swing". The band offers a harshly unique side to the diverse Dayton sound, playing kinetically charged acoustic music with a DIY groundness that adds an extra dimension of adrenaline to an already endearing approach. 
It's rare to hear an all-acoustic band conjure up the immediacy and abandon that is apparent here. The Tree's sound is sort of like updated folk, giving classic starkness a proper kick in the booty with a worldliness and attitude more common in youthful Alternabands.
"The Action Poets" showcases unlikely instruments like banjo, violin and mandolin for a refreshing curve. There's a clear musical connectiveness that bonds the players and furthers this artsy and passionate release."
- CINCINNATI CITYBEAT
"The PPT were a sort of acoustic punk band from Dayton that wrote and played with their hearts and heads. This disc is a shining example that you don't have to use electricity to make great sounds...
I honestly love all of the music that the band has left us to remember them by...I urge you to preserve their music forever and ever by seeking out this disc...

- SCREED
"....A truly innovative band in a town full of innovators... The Tree offers the biggest acoustic sound this side of the Redwood Forest. This Tree doesn't need electricity to scream - it rocks just fine without any help from Edison. Incorporating a violin, mandolin and banjo, the band's tense tightness belies any "acoustic" notions.
 Take "Annette Song", which begins, aptly enough, with Annette Meng's upbeat violin and quickly meshes with drummer Steve Johnson's military-march snare and lyricist Michael Goodson's tall, deep timbre. For "Mesmerized", Goodson's vocals resemble an energetic Richard Thompson, while Meng's violin careens into his banjo. Instrumental fun is frequent as well."
- THE DAYTON DAILY NEWS
""The Pure Plastic Tree are an all acoustic band with a vast range of instruments - from guitars, mandolin and violin to an upright bass. They prove that they can be acoustic and still have a huge sound. Musically they are a diverse bunch, but to my rather untrained ear they are reminiscent of early CAMPER VAN BEETHOVEN or PIMENTOS FOR GUS .
For a band that has not plugged in, songs like "Mesmerized" and "Poppy's Sunrise" pack a lot of punch. Annette Meng is a true talent. This violinist's lovely playing on "Method Of Trees" is hauntingly beautiful. Her rich, lilting melodies weave magic through Michael Goodson's thick vocal meanderings and Brian Bagdonas's thumping bassline.
 Goodson plays the widest variety of instruments, and plays each of them with a prowess that belies his age..."The Action Poets..." is a great disc to pick up for the musicianship alone."
- MOO MAGAZINE
THE CREATURE - "The acoustic-only set of grunge/punk by The Pure Plastic Tree is incredible. One of the most impressive things about this album is the sound - it sounds more like a jam session than a studio album. Violinist Annette Meng adds a sense of melancholy to the balance and urgency in Michael Goodson's lyrics. The banjo on some of the songs adds a slight hillbilly feel that completely fits because of the acoustic nature of the album...Most of the songs on this album have a slightly urgent feel to them..."
-THE CREATURE
"Even their name is original! The music certainly is. This band is acoustic, but you might not believe it at first... This is some powerful, energetic and actually unique stuff... I think if some stations had this they would play it. The musicians exude some powerful playing to match the equally powerful vocals."
- VICTORY REVIEW
