This compilation, “A Sepiachord Passport” features performers from around the world with a common passion for steampunk music. More than just a fashion statement or a convention theme, the notion of steampunk extends into the music realm with a blending of the avant-garde, theatrical, and fantastical tones of gypsy punk, circus blues, and dark cabaret.
The 20-track album is full of surprises – some eerily outlandish and other resoundingly pleasant. With contributions by established acts with crossover appeal, like Black Tape for a Blue Girl (with guest vocals by Nicki Jaine), this album is at least worth a listen – even if only to understand how neo-vaudeville/steampunk music sounds.
The Clockwork Dolls and Veronique Chevalier are also presences worth mentioning, for being steampunk scene attention grabbers and having appeared at the Steampunk World’s Fair in New Jersey. Both acts are clearly praised for representing the steampunk sub-genre of music.
There are also many Seattle bands that add their own local flair to the mix. Though surely an acquired taste, this collection is an excellent introduction for those uneducated on the unique breadth of steampunk music. – Alison
“A Sepiachord Passport” is available from the Projekt Records website:
http://www.projekt.com/projekt/product.asp?sku=PRO00250
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The website Sepia Chord describes the genre thusly: “It is to music what ‘steampunk’ is to literature and cinema: something that looks back to the past to comment on the present while looking sideways at the future… As goth & glam are the bastards of David Bowie, Sepiachord is made from the genetic material sown by Tom Waits. Sepiachord is assembled like a clockwork orchestra, from such elements of music as Sinister Circus, Cabaret Macabre, Chamber Pop, Organic Goth, Celtic/Gypsy Punk, Mutant Americana, Ghost Town Country.”
Musicians whose music could be termed ‘sepiachord’ include: Toy-Box Trio, Blackbird Orchestra, Bat Country, Tiger Lillies, Walter Sickert & the Army of Broken Toys, Circus Contraption, Veronique Chevalier, Emperor Norton’s Stationary Marching Band, Sxip Shirey, Rhubarb Whiskey.
Original Blog Post Here:
http://ultimategothguide.blogspot.com/2011/04/dark-and-goth-friendly-music-part-10.html
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