Paul Shapera – The Dolls of New Albion (2012)
As the Corvid-19 virus moved in to cancel tours and new music releases, music reviewers have had to search out other forums to find music to review. One of my favorite genres, outside of progressive rock is steampunk music. In that search, I found something that clearly has not been given enough coverage. The concept of a steampunk opera. Well, it has already been done, very well by Paul Shapera, back in May of 2012.
That opera is titled The Dolls of New Albion, and it is not only well produced it is a wonderful album to listen to and write about.
The story is “four acts, narrated by a woman named Kate. The 1st Act is concerned with a scientist, Annabel McAlistair, and her attempt to bring back her dead love, placing him within the body of a mechanical mannequin. The 2nd Act shows her son, Edgar, his business exploits, and how they affect the city. The 3rd Act follows his son, Byron, and his ensuing political race and cultural impact on New Albion. Finally, the 4th Act tells the story of Priscilla McAlistair and a New Albion Soldier. Throughout each acts, there is Jasper, a continual presence in each of the character’s lives. Each generation’s meddling with these Dolls contributes to the gradual ruin of New Albion itself”. It is a 90-minute story which will both entertain and amuse you at times.
The main characters and singers include: Lauren Osborn as Annabelle, Fay, Amelia & Priscilla; Jason Broderick as Edgar, Byron & Soldier 7285; and Kayleigh Mc Knight as Your Narrator.
The amazing cover art was created by Marjolijn de Korte.
Every mood of this album takes you on uncertain twists and turns. The period music creates an early 20th Century soundscape of a major city. It takes you inside the story and immerses you in the feelings and attitudes of the characters perfectly. This album will easily distract you from the drudgeries of sitting at home waiting for the Corona-19 virus or your everyday workplace after the recovery.
The Dolls of New Albion, is a perfect distraction full of classic instruments, sax, deep keyboards, bells, percussion, piano, orchestration and special effects that take you to the streets and byways that the story leads you onto.
The 1930s, Depression Era sounds at the beginning perfectly immerse you in a post Victorian Age full of hopes that were dashed by “The Crash”.
The narration, sound effects and orchestration bring this opera to life. Every moment of this opera is a moment of fun with an interesting story. The music will take you in many directions and moods.
Please get this album and enjoy it through eh tough times we are in. Remember its echo as we exit the tough times because it is a story for all times. Fun and enjoyable in all its intensity.
https://mochalab.bandcamp.com/album/the-dolls-of-new-albion-a-steampunk-opera
https://shaperaverse.fandom.com/wiki/The_Dolls_of_New_Albion
https://steampunk.fandom.com/wiki/Dolls_of_New_Albion,_A_Steampunk_Opera
So happy to see the review of one of my all-time favorites. I really, really wish to see you review more of mr Shapera’s work. The whole series is mind blowingly good.