We previously featured Robert Jordan for sharing a charismatic and existential ode to Bob Dylan with the captivating single, Song for Bob, so when we heard that the visionary artist was back with Plato’s Cave, we were curious to say the least and couldn’t wait to listen and report on our experience.
Plato’s Cave opens with a rolling drum riff, expanding into a shimmering guitar soundscape with vibrancy. The opus expands with brooding vocals from Robert as he shares philosophical depth. Robert reminds us of early Nick Cave with his effortless swag. As for the lyrics however, they are intelligently rooted in the human experience with a twist.
For some context, the allegory of Plato’s Cave is a philosophical thought experiment from Book VII of The Republic that illustrates how most human beings live in a state of ignorance, mistaking sensory illusions for true reality. This is partially rooted in science and also a reflection of the Vedic philosophies of “Maya” / the illusion. It’s also a universal theory of consciousness, but through a different lens. As these ideas become more mainstream, it is apt and zeitgeist that Robert Jordan is conveying them through song.
Robert’s purpose? “Encouraging people to wake up”, he says succinctly. He is obviously inspired here by Plato, but also cites Lou Reed and The Waterboys as influences as he sings, “Plato’s Cave was a metaphor, to show us the way and open the door, see a wise friend and talk, go out in nature and walk… don’t be afraid of the light, you don’t have to live in the night… come out of Plato’s Cave, use the reason he gave…”
The reason to leave the cave is to gain true knowledge, understand reality, and comprehend the ultimate truth of “the good” rather than living in ignorance and illusion. We love the accompanying vocal harmonies that add holistic resonance to the song, the instrumental segue is playful and danceable, whilst the repeated notions “your idea of good, love” etc. resonate like a mantra as the production becomes more psychedelic and syncopated like a fever dream.
To create the track, Robert collaborated with multi-instrumentalist producer David dSnider and vocalist Rebecca Abraxas. It forms part of Robert’s album, Morning Sun. Needless to say, we are in awe, and have added Plato’s Cave to our New Music Spotlight playlist, and our TIMELESS and TRIPPY playlists, whilst we continue to stream the entirety of Morning Sun, and Robert Jordan’s wider discography.