Clive Nolan is one of the greatest musicians
in the modern Progressive Rock music scene. His name is involved in a
rather big number of bands or projects, such as Pendragon, Arena, Casino, Shadowland and others. However, as Clive told me once, he always has been a great fan of musicals. In 2008 he released his first musical named as She, under the name Caamora. (The story was based on the book with the same name, written by H. Rider Haggard).
His second musical was Alchemy and it was
released in 2013, under his name this time. The plot took place in Victorian England in “Alchemy
Universe”, and it was based on a fictional story, written by him.
When I bought Alchemy, I couldn’t believe how wonderful it was, and I have no idea how many times I listened to it! (Even today, it still is one of my most beloved albums of the last decade).
When I learned about King’s Ransom, which is
the sequel of Alchemy, I wasn’t very surprised, mainly due to the fact that at the
end of Alchemy there was a hint that the story could be continued in the
future. I was also a little bit worried, because Alchemy was a really great
album and I wasn’t sure if he could repeat something like that again.
Thankfully, my fears were unfounded…
I pre-ordered King’s Ransom, and what I received was a box set, including 4 CD’s, 1 DVD and 3 booklets. A very impressive and expensive production as it seems.
Now, let’s take a look at the
album itself. When I bought Alchemy, I couldn’t believe how wonderful it was, and I have no idea how many times I listened to it! (Even today, it still is one of my most beloved albums of the last decade).
When I learned about King’s Ransom, which is
the sequel of Alchemy, I wasn’t very surprised, mainly due to the fact that at the
end of Alchemy there was a hint that the story could be continued in the
future. I was also a little bit worried, because Alchemy was a really great
album and I wasn’t sure if he could repeat something like that again.
Thankfully, my fears were unfounded… I pre-ordered King’s Ransom, and what I received was a box set, including 4 CD’s, 1 DVD and 3 booklets. A very impressive and expensive production as it seems.
It is divided in 2 parts (Act I & Act II), and includes 33 tracks in total. Don’t forget that it's not a Progressive Rock album, it’s a musical.
For
the recordings of the album, Clive used 6 musicians and 11 singers who play the
different characters of the story.
In comparison with Alchemy, I think that King’s Ransom is more sophisticated, and a bit “darker”. The music is astonishing once more, and it changes according to the situations that the characters find themselves in. As for the performance of the singers, it is excellent on most occasions. (But that’s totally a matter of personal taste).
Also, I enjoyed the dialogues
that bind the songs together, because it gives a theatrical touch to the album.
In comparison with Alchemy, I think that King’s Ransom is more sophisticated, and a bit “darker”. The music is astonishing once more, and it changes according to the situations that the characters find themselves in. As for the performance of the singers, it is excellent on most occasions. (But that’s totally a matter of personal taste).
I will not get into details for each song
separately, because that is an unfair thing to do. The songs follow a story line, and each of them has something to offer
to the story. Therefore, there might be some songs not so “strong” like others,
but they add something and they move the story forward.
Also, I enjoyed the dialogues
that bind the songs together, because it gives a theatrical touch to the album.
Despite the fact that I put the CD’s in my CD
player and listen to them without skipping
not even one song, there are some songs that I enjoy more than others. Some of them are the following:
Act I: Poison Runs the Course,
Silent Army, The Deal is Made, Legend of the Unicorn Orchid, and of course the
wonderful Solitary Man, with the
fantastic voice of Gemma Ashley. (Goosebumps. Everytime!)
Act II: In Harm’s Way, Stand
Fast, Turning the Tables, St Paul’s and Epilogue.
I
will conclude this post by saying that,
King’s Ransom is a definite must-have for every fan of Clive Nolan, but not
only for them. Every person can enjoy this, because it is definitely a serious
piece of art! I don’t know about you, but I know I am going to enjoy it for a
long long time.
And as Clive Nolan writes in the first page
of the booklet; “Turn the lights down, and the speakers up… and immerse yourself
once more in the ‘Alchemy Universe’…
In case you are interested, check here: www.kingsransomthemusical.com
My rating: 5 solid stars
without a second thought.In case you are interested, check here: www.kingsransomthemusical.com
By clicking on the following YouTube links you can watch a couple of trailers for King's Ransom and have a small idea:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fiuz57TkCv8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VawfdxfXt-A
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fiuz57TkCv8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VawfdxfXt-A
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