Wow! Talk about a musical project that’s difficult to slot into any one genre -- or four or five genres. On Dystopia 31, a two-disc, 28-song sci-fi concept album, you’ll hear vintage neo-progressive rock, fun techno/synth pop, snappy new wave, some serious shredding, dramatic soundtrack music and lots more. Depending on the song, you might feel as if you’re listening to a record from the Eighties, the Nineties, the 2000s or today.
The brainchild of Milwaukee-based multi-instrumentalist/songwriter Jay Mueller, Dystopia 31 is a rock opera set in the not-to-distant future that chronicles an uprising in Megacity, which has a population of 40 million people. It stars clones, a despot, a henchman, a mysterious monk-like figure and a disaffected young couple. The first act (disc one) introduces the characters and sets the stage for the uprising in the second act (disc two).
Mueller’s vocal chops aren’t as sharp as his imagination or instrumental prowess -- especially on guitar -- which is probably why he has who appear to be other family members (Julie Mueller and Emmaline Mueller) also sing lead and backing vocals. Other Muellers populate the album, too, contributing additional vocals. Jay, by the way, handles all guitar, bass, keyboards and percussion.
Taken as a whole -- and clocking in at about 121 minutes -- Dystopia 31 presents an ear-opening, refreshing and ultimately hopeful listening experience. We need happy endings more than ever right now.
Track Listing
Act One:
1. Fast Forward
2. Megacity
3. Better in the Future
4. Our Great Leader
5. Man of the Hour
6. Minister of Love
7. I’m With You
8. When Did It Happen?
9. Believe
10. Mission
11. Troubled Sleep
12. Comes the Dawn
13. Age of Reason
14. Move Along
Act Two:
1. Help Me
2. Prison of Mind
3. You Can’t Say That
4. The Best We Could
5. The Wrong Man
6. Power to Serve
7. Sabotage
8. Revolt
9. The Price of Victory
10. After the Fall
11. By This Light
12. No Mistake
13. Rewind
14. Remember
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