It would seem that The Mechanisms are a steam punk band from somewhere in England and it would also seem that they have been on the illegal Smarties for cabaret, amateur dramatics and (God bless them) geekdom have been fused into their concept album Once Upon A Time (In Space).
The story goes like this. In a galaxy far, far way, children’s parables get transferred into an off off Broadway adventure performed by those in the thrall of middle English psychosis. In those songs and intermediate narrative interjections, you get the lot. There’s megalomania, genetically improved warriors, immortals, bombs in crates of apples, pseudo sea shanties, funny accents and a bit of the old mass destruction. I like a bit of the old mass destruction and it would seem that The Mechanisms are of the same opinion.
Oh, did I mention a bit of implied girl on girl action featuring Cinderella before New Constantinople gets it and Old King Cole’s universe is promptly inverted into the correct peace loving orientation that we all love so much?
Although perhaps not for the mass market, “Once Upon A Time” is a damn sight more entertaining than most albums that I hear. In fact, I think I shall buy myself a monocle and listen to the whole damn thing again.
The album is available from Bandcamp.