PLEO - Dead Greek EP

Words by Tom F-H.

From blast-beat to double-time swing, multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Greg Karageorge juxtaposes rock, metal, punk, and jazz to form a unique mix of sounds that showcase his creative genius for his first true release as PLEO. As well as his already individual take on the heavy and alternative genres, Karageorge integrates his Athenian upbringing by writing and performing the lyrics in Greek.

The four track record explores PLEO’s story of longing, rejection, rage and acceptance, and Karageorge’s harsh vocals layer onto grooving, up-tempo verses, and gritty, rock choruses. ‘Oldsmall Café’ transitions from punk melody and blast-beat, distorted drums, to gradually building, syncopated jazz rhythm as Karageorge vocalises. The intro track fades in with ambient, ominous chords, and a creepy breathing sound. The final track fades out with sounds of a busy café; glasses clinking, and people talking, as if they haven’t heard his audible protesting. His proficiency with guitar is showed off in flowing riffs and fills, and are backed up by smooth, clean chord changes.

The tracks are short, averaging around the two-minute-mark, with ‘Logic In Grey’ being just slightly longer. PLEO’s songs are snippets – teasers - of what’s to come, with the EP acting as a whistle-stop tour of Karageorge’s influences and musical ability.