Album review: SHADES OF PLATO – The Golden Ratio

SHADES OF PLATO - The Golden Ratio

Platonic Arrangements [Release date 13.11.26] shadesofplato1.bandcamp.com

‘Welcome To The Carnival’ is a fitting entree for this, the fourth “in an occasional series” of what the band term “Tull/Sisters(of Mercy)/Stranglers mash ups”. The album is a heady mixture of influences, mostly of a darker persuasion and it cries out for some sort of theatrical production.

That opener has the wobbly keyboard that reminds of sixties sci-fi but is a fair showcase for the band’s instrumental talents. On ‘Ursonate’ and ‘Seraphim’ they doff their top hats to Stranglers and as we mentioned in our review of ‘Blackout’ (2024) there is a new wave/punk vibe blending with gothic rock throughout.

The Tull label comes from Ol’ Dirty’s flute which adds a prog tint to several tracks and not least on ‘Smells Like Burning Martyr’. However seventies bands like Audience and Nik Turner-era Hawkwind also come to mind.

The band have taken their inspiration for the album’s title and theme from a Renaissance attempt to define beauty through a mathematical formula but the lyrics reflect the familiar tropes of social media (‘Shadow Ban’), geo-politics (‘Lethal Aid’) and general dysfunction (‘No Sensation’).

Of the highlights ‘Intermission’ has the pace and vibe of ‘Echo Beach’ (Martha And The Muffins) whilst the title track is enhanced by Penny Oliver on backing vocals. The excellent ‘A Vestige Of You’ is a ready made single. And, as with the previous album, there is an unlisted instrumental – ‘Beauty And Decay’ – although this time with a voiceover.

The album is available as a limited edition CD or digitally via Bandcamp. If you liked ‘Blackout’ the latest “mash-up” will also impress but – four albums in – Shades Of Plato deserve a wider audience. ****

Review by David Randall

Album review (Blackout, 2024)

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DEAD POET SOCIETY Miami For The Weekend (Spinefarm)

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09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Hard Rock)
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