Review: Acid Plato ‘Horòs’
Former founding members of Kavala, Greece, psych acid folk rock trio The Dead Ends, Giorgos Sechlidis and Dimitris Apostolidis, with their new musical adventure as Acid Plato. Through their monumental debut double album Horòs, presents a profound exploration of power and its intricate application in our lives, tackling a pressing philosophical issue: humanity is at a pivotal point, faced with the choice to either succumb to the corruption associated with Prometheus’s priceless ‘Gifts’ or to embrace an inner enlightenment. This decision could lead to the use of knowledge for good and just purposes.
Horòs is a sonic expedition into a cultural world; it represents an epic travel that bridges ancient Greek mythology with contemporary relevance. Inspired by Aeschylus’ classic tragedy, Prometheus Bound, it unfolds as a surreal music and dance performance that touches the very core of our being, highlighting the struggle between enlightenment and darkness. With striking clarity, Acid Plato invites us to reflect on their role in shaping the future, making this work both timely and timeless.
The album abstractly retraces the ancient plot of humanity, presenting a society that passively re-enacts familiar characters and situations. This unfolding occurs in a contemplative manner, rich with an epic enthusiasm that captivates and invites reflection. As the narrative reveals the cyclical nature of struggle against oppressive forces, it effectively highlights our shared human experience. The immersive quality of this creation is ‘a direct confrontation with power and the ways it uses to achieve its goals’, explains the duo, emphasising the choices we make in shaping our collective narrative.
Through its poignant exploration of knowledge and its implications for our destiny, Horòs serves as an urgent artistic call to action. It encourages us to remain aware and proactive, reminding us that how we engage with our past can significantly influence our future. It inspires a thoughtful examination of empowerment in the ever-relevant dance between individuals and systems of power.
the soundscapes unfurl with evocative atmospheres, enveloping those who listen…
Acid Plato‘s most compelling and captivating debut embarks on an extraordinarily intriguing creative journey, meticulously blending diverse musical traditions into an immersive experience. This ambitious exploration seamlessly weaves the resonant echoes of traditional Greek folk with the mind-bending textures of ’60s psychedelia and the sweeping grandeur of Anatolian rock, all imbued with a distinct cinematic flair to forge immense sonic tapestries.
Designed to create a profound theatrical atmosphere, the album unfolds in three meticulously crafted acts, which premiered this past April, each scene contributing to a dramatic narrative. Within these mythological songs, the soundscapes unfurl with evocative atmospheres, enveloping those who listen or witness their theatrical performance in energetic, dreamlike elegies that transport you through ancient lands.
Sung in a compelling mix of Greek and English, interspersed with rich monologues and powerful vocal parts, the entire experience is dynamically explored through the interchangeable sounds of guitar, keyboards, and percussion, bringing to life an epic journey into ancient Greece. This sonic odyssey powerfully evokes the tormented ten-year return of Ulysses (Odysseus) from Troy to Ithaca, with each track meticulously narrating an ancient tale, from the Olympian might of Zeus to the primordial Okeanos, from the azure Ionian Sea to the defiant spirit of Prometheus and the cunning wit of Hermes.
Through Horòs, Sechlidis and Apostolidis have composed a record which has crafted a profound artistic statement, establishing a modern classic of Greek cultural expression akin to Homer’s timeless sagas of human rage and its enduring consequences.
Label: Sound Effect Records
Band Links: Facebook | Bandcamp | Instagram
Scribed by: Domenico ‘Mimmo’ Caccamo
