Borrowing its title from the opening line of Plato’s “Timeaus”dialogue, where Timeaus gives a slightly obscure excuse for an unnamed fourth guest who is inexplicably absent, Lia Hide’s new album, The Missing Fourth Guest, magnificently explores some very universal and modern emotional struggles.
“I think the world would be a better place if we were all educated on the writings and ideas of Plato’s Academy”according to Hide. Using the ideas explored in Plato’s dialogues Hide “hopes that listeners will do some research and understand and use the ideas for themselves.”
Delving into themes that are topical and far reaching such as Covid 19, lockdowns and prolonged enforced isolations, human mortality and the place of humans in the universe The Missing Fourth Guest is a fascinating musical journey.
The first track on the album, “Birthday”, lulls the listener with its poetic lyrics and doleful, mesmerizing sound. “Uterus Will” is a more structured track which features entrancing trumpets by Stelios Chatzikaleas. “Niobe”has jazz fragments and engaging lyrics. “Row, Row, Row” with a childlike dark sound is at the same time beautiful and menacing. “Proposal” sees Hide use an ethereal and haunting voice that seems in juxtaposition to the repetitive, industrial hypnotic sounds in the layered music. “Cloud” has a delightful glitchiness to it that erupts into an alluring distorted cacophony . “Dinner” has smooth and entrancing vocals gliding across a gnarled and distorted sound scape. “Wynnona” captivates the listening with melodic music and beguiling almost staccato lyrics.
Overall The Missing Fourth Guest is an intelligent and satisfying musical adventure well worth the journey.
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