chase plato's Cathartic New Single Will "SET YOU FREE"
I don't say this about just any artist, but chase plato may be my new favorite artist of 2022. With the release of his latest song, "SET YOU FREE," the Detroit native takes listeners on a journey full of hooky guitar riffs, fleeting synths, and driving percussion.
"SET YOU FREE" is the perfect score to a late-night drive, windows down, blasting music into the void. The multitalented artist doles out mosh-inducing guitar riffs reminiscent of early '90s and 2000s punk and interweaves that racing search for catharsis with synths and high-octane percussion. The chorus is a euphoric earworm that encourages listeners to join in singing, "The world's not out to get you / if you want out, I'll set you."
The first time I listened to "SET YOU FREE" I was so moved that by the time the bridge hit, I found myself cathartically shouting, "Can we hold hands in the mosh pit," much to the chagrin of my next-door neighbor, but still, I regret nothing. The song ends with one last climatic chorus where chase plato promises to whoever is listening that if they want out, he'll "set you free."
The accompanying music video, directed by Victor Grisson and Chase Poe, is a vibe, for lack of a better word. Opening with a cutscene from the cult hit video game Kingdom Hearts, viewers are then transported to scenes of the 19-year-old artist and producer shredding on an iconic Hello Kitty electric guitar with his bandmates. A retro feel permeates throughout every second, especially in the camcorder footage of mosh pit B-roll that intercuts scenes of teens tagging and eating apples. When the bridge hits, we see beautiful, golden hour-lit scenes of chase plato dressed as Red Riding Hood running through the woods with the aforementioned fruit. Finally, Sora from Kingdom Hearts makes one last appearance, telling the audience and his adversary Riku, "I don't need a weapon. My friends are my power!"
Watch the "SET YOU FREE" video below: