Trying Something New

When I listen to music I basically look for one thing - something new.  I’ve listened to so much music (about 8 hours a day this summer) that not a lot of new music stands out to me.  A band must try something new, something I’ve never heard before in order for me to listen twice.  Forgive Durden have certainly tried something new.  After their debut album everyone left the band except for lead singer Thomas Dutton, due to “musical differences.” Dutton wanted to make a musical, and it’s safe to assume the rest of the band did not.  However Dutton went on to achieve his dreams, with the help of his brother (a composition major) to create and record a musical: Razia’s Shadow.  The album came out in October and was not commercially successful, but got great reviews.  I heard of the album because it made the top 5 in Absolute Punk’s 2008 albums of the year, then bought it on sale at Amazon MP3 for $1.99 (Amazon MP3 is the best thing in the world by the way).

The album really is a musical, not only is the music great, but there is an exciting story. There are 2 separate story lines actually, with Dutton playing the lead character in each.  He is accompanied by lead singers of other bands such as Panic at the Disco, the Hush Sound, the Audition and Say Anything who play other roles.  I had to look up the script online to fully understand the story, but once I did it felt like I was watching a movie (or play for that matter) rather than listening to music.

A few things that stand out to me are the different vocalists used in the musical, each of which has an amazing voice.  Likewise are the themes that follow the characters, they make the musical easier to follow and more interesting.  Lastly is the message Dutton is trying to get across.  At first glance the musical is a love story, but after a few listens it’s really about fulfilling your destiny, with love taking the back seat.  There is a narrator throughout the play that ends with the following monologue:

An idea is only relevant if it’s being thought upon.
So remember, never surrender.
‘Cause the unrelenting constancy of love and hope
Will rescue and restore from any scope.