A rock/classical soundtrack inspired by Mary Shelley's gothic novel. 
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Frankenstein

This was the first track I created for the album. Frankenstein is lost in his obsessive ambition to create life. He is blind to the implications until the very moment a life comes into being... by then it's too late. 

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Mary Shelley's Genius

The book's narrator is undertaking a nautical arctic expedition when his ship becomes ice-bound. The crew rescue an exhausted Frankenstein who our narrator soon befriends. Gradually, in his weakened state, Frankenstein horrifies his new friend with his tragic tale of obsessive ambition and loss.

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Stuck In The Ice

This was inspired by one of my favourite scenes in Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein". Frankenstein travels back to Geneva, realising the enormity of his mistake in creating his creature. On the way he spends the night in a small alpine town and, in an attempt to escape his depression, he climbs a hill to watch a spectacular nocturnal thunderstorm. As he watches, to his horror, a familiar apparition approaches.

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Thunderstorm In The Alps

Frankenstein and his creation are locked in an anomic cycle of fear, loathing and destruction. 
I used three guitar tones for this track, each combining a modern amp with a brit amp to try and convey power and emotion; I hope it works, it was fun anyway, especially the coda at 03.44 min.

The image was borrowed from Mortal Shell, the game by Playstack. I thought it was an image that provided an interesting alternative to the familiar image of Frankenstein's creation. 

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The Mortal Struggle

In many ways, Elizabeth is the most heroic character in Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein". Her love of Frankenstein holds steady despite his obsessive and erratic behaviour. The book says much about the dangerous follies of obsessive men and the tragic consequences for the people close to them. 
The guitar is a Takamine New Yorker... what a fine electrical pick-up it has, but it does pick up the slighted movement! I used a variety of delays (low res, particle verb) and a phaser to create a "ghost" to the guitar.
The picture is taken from a portrait of Mary Shelley. 

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Elizabeth

Frankenstein's disastrous agreement to create a partner for his monster unleashes a chain of events which culminates in the destruction of just about everything he holds dear.
This extraction from a Universal Pictures poster has little to do with the book, but I like it.

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Abortive Bride

This finale takes us back to the arctic where the narrator witnesses the final scenes of the tragedy. I've tried to inject some optimism into the chorus chords in the hope that the narrator really has learned from his late friends story. 
I love the graphic, it's taken from the front cover of the Penny Royal edition of the book, illustrated by Barry Moser. 

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Death Of A Kindred Spirit (Finale)

Wasn't sure about how well this fit with the Frankenstein album but, in the end, what the hell, I've tagged it onto the end.
I find Frankenstein's creation a paradox. The monster's desire is to belong and be accepted, even loved, especially by his creator. But this turns, through its frustration, into hate, despair and murder. But, after wreaking his vengeance, he cannot live without his god, despite the superhuman pulse of life that courses through his veins. 

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The Loneliest Exit

I've been on Soundcloud for six years now and it's been great exploring the work of other artists.  There is so much generosity of spirit on this platform, it's just what you need when most of your music is made solo. 

I started out playing classical and Spanish guitar, then took up flamenco to ease myself away from the confines of musical notation. As a result, Latin rhythms often creep into my music. 

A friend introduced me to steel string and electric guitars just a few years ago and I still find the scope they bring dizzying... but what fun!

Frankenstein

Wayfarer DG