New Yorkers EPIGENE'S 3rd album 'A Wall Street Odyssey' is a new Prog Rock opera telling the journey of Yossarian. It unfolds the economic, social and political events of the last 4 years and tells of its corrupting effects on individuals. The album is broken down into three chapters forming The City, The Country And Back Again. All three differentiate and experiment in different styles such as rock, electro-clash, psychedelic folk, afro-pop and new wave dependent on the mood and the tale of each song in the progression of his journey. Sean Bigler's 3+ years of research are clearly echoed in the depth and strength of the song writing and supported by the vocal melodies helping to convey the many different tones and moods.
Part 1; The City explores the world of high flying workers and the corruption of culture leading Yossarian's feeling of being trapped. You are introduced to the character in the first line of track 1 'Good morning my name is Yossarian' in order to establish the connection with his journey and allow identification. The whole of this section is very gloomy with a negative mood portrayed in both the melody and the vocals.
Song 2 'Money Master' echoes the "wistful voice of lonely disconnection" through the backing vocals which are almost ghostlike as if it were a haunting. Tracks 4 and 5 reveal Yossarian's drug and alcohol dependency. Both have a fast paced prominent drumbeat to reflect the rush of adrenaline, the fact he is spiralling out of control and reflect his erratic behaviour. This is also aided by the backing vocal effects that provide a warped sound to symbolise the hallucinations caused by his addictions.
Song 6 is in contrast to the previous tracks as it is titled 'Losing everything' and the much more sombre tone reflects this. In combination with deeper vocals this signifies his depth of depression. Finally in this chapter track 8 tells of his beginning to a new episode in his life. 'Brother,take my hand' is a song about being found by his brother who offers him a lifeline to get his life on track by joining him on his eco friendly farm. This is represented in the lyrics "Rising sun is our alarm, lets start this journey home, lend me your arm." A perfect lead onto the next chapter.
Part 2; The Country adopts a much more light hearted tone to reflect the comfort of Yossarian's new habitat. Song 9 is the opening to his fresh start and the flowing melodic tone is very minimalistic creating an aura of fantasy. He is invited to embrace the new environment which is highlighted in the lyrics "So open up your heart boy! Make a new start boy!".
Following this welcoming he shows his gratification by participating in the community. Track 10 'In a Circle' enforces the importance of a unity by the repetition of "circle" which represents the community as a whole. The mood of this track is very upbeat and conveys a warm and friendly tone due to its melodic structure. The importance of balance in the community and privacy in country life is echoed though the tone of this song which is reminiscent of a nursery rhyme due to the structure and melody.
|
Track 12 sees Yossarian discover and embark on his spiritual awakening. This is highlighted through the backing vocals which symbolise his name being whispered in the wind. In songs 14 and 15 as listeners we join him as he falls in love and begins the journey of a family life. However song 16 sees him seeking more as he foresees the city's future and decides to return against his family's wishes in order to become a saviour. This turn in events sees song 16 'I'm Gonna Save the World' adopt a more defiant tone with a harsher beat to represent his determination.
In disc 2, Part 3 'And Back Again' (song 1) we travel with him on his return to the city to attempt to rescue them from the downward spiral he experienced. He tells of his recluse and how he was saved. Branding the urban man as a "˜madman." This last chapter is more rock than any of the other variations in style and conveys the mood perfectly. On this disk track 3 'The Warning' features again as a reprise for track 5 to enforce its importance. Also the track features vocals representing the crowd to make their presence be felt. Finally the album concludes with 'To Each His Own' which expresses his realisation that he cannot convert the people, they have to embark on the journey on their own to fully appreciate and understand.
This album explores everyday situations but with more depth than we dare to comprehend. Aided by strong lyrics and melodies, this album is designed to appeal to the most diverse tastes with a track for everyone. The concept of having the character Yossarian to identify with allows us as listeners to feel the music and experience the mood rather that just listening to the music.
Although the artwork doesn't support the high standard that the album deserves credit for, you can't deny the amount of time and effort that has gone in the design of the album. The two discs are supported by a fully descriptive book containing song meanings and lyrics and also not forgetting more album illustrations forming an almost comic strip. Even if the design of the CD is not your kind of thing, it's the music that matters.
|
