Motihari Brigade’s new album “Problematic” features an unusual artistic collaboration with the Ancient Greek philosopher Socrates. The song “Not What They Seem” features Socrates on a blues-inspired electric slide guitar solo. In addition, the philosopher also plays the triangle, a three-sided chime considered a shout out to the Pythagorean rock sub-genre from the neo-Platonic school of rock.
Socrates, who hasn’t appeared on any neo-classical rock albums since being put to death by the Athenian state for corrupting the youth and questioning the gods, was immediately attracted to the idea of working on a concept album in the hope of inspiring further interest in the growing “philosophy rock” sub-genre. Although achieving significant fame as a philosopher, Socrates is less well known for his electric slide guitar method.
“This is something I hadn’t even considered while I was alive,” said Socrates. “And since then I really haven’t paid much attention to rock music, at least until Pink Floyd’s ‘Dark Side Of The Moon’ came along,” he added.
“This is a chance for Socrates fans to see a different side” said Motihari Brigade’s guitarist and singer Eric Winston, “He’s always had this rebel image, and it works perfectly well for rock-n-roll.”
Clad in a black leather jacket and clutching a Fender Stratocaster, Socrates seems to have fully embraced the new philosopher-rebel image.
“My hope is that one day “philosophy rock” will be listed as its own rock sub-genre alongside “indie” “post punk” and “shoe gaze” Socrates reasoned. Or maybe even “Socratic Rock” he then suggested with a playful smile.
Expert musicologists speculate that the unexpected appearance of Socrates on Motihari Brigade’s new album could spark a neo-classical rock revival. Already there are rumors of a possible collaboration in the works between St. Thomas Aquinas and Madonna on a re-make/cover of “Like A Virgin.”
Listen now to Motihari Brigade’s Problematic and find out why things are not what they seem to be, anymore. But be careful. Remember, they always kill the Socrates.
Motihari Brigade’s new album “Problematic” is here to restore a defiant spirit of independent critical thinking in this age of artificially-curated digital algorithms. Feel vibrato electric guitar strings shake loose a world of illusions with lyrics inspired by the ideas of Orwell, Huxley, and Socrates. There is hope that Motihari Brigade’s brand of “Rock-n-Roll Thoughtcrime” can still save us – perhaps.
“Problematic” is Motihari Brigade’s third album, and the invention of guitarist, singer, and songwriter Eric Winston. The band derives its name from Motihari, India, birthplace of their truth-seeking spirit animal George Orwell.
Problematic is now available through popular digital streaming and download services, and on compact disc. Keep asking questions. Be problematic.
