New Album
Special Operations
An acoustic-folk rock-opera.
Special Operations is a modern-folk rock-opera.
Each of the fourteen songs is a chapter / scene of an on-going narrative.
Watch the videos below as they are presented, in scene sequence. Or the complete album - opera - movie at the bottom of the page.
A downloadable excel file of liner notes is available below. It contains a libretto, credits, lyrics, etc which may add to your listening/viewing experience.
Scene One:
Another War.
There is a war. The President of a large Nth European country, Aissur, has invaded its smaller southern neighbour, Eniarku. It's gruesome and unfair, but there is a history….
Scene Two:
A Great Leader.
Ratmir and Lara Volkov, Aissuran grandparents, think their president, Mr.Shikcann, is great!
Scene Three:
We're Not Fools
The Volkov's younger daughter, Katina, thinks differently! She has access to other-than-state media. Her husband, Yaroslav, is having to leave the country to avoid being conscripted. And she has a sister and nephew in Eniarku….
Scene Four:
Under Attack
War has come to Eniarku - Ratmir and Lara's older daughter, Natalya, lives in a village there with her son. Her husband, has enlisted to defend his homeland from the invading forces. Their village has been taken and is now occupied .....
Scene Five:
The Invincible Genius
President Shikcann of Aissur muses on his contribution to his country and the world
Scene Six:
Save The Children
Natalya's town is occupied by invading troops. Her Son, Vitaliy, is among children taken from the schools to distant camps. Mothers must try to work out how to save their children......
Scene Seven:
Funky Crunk
An unknown songwriter on the other side of the world writes a song addressing the war-mongering dictator. He labels Mr.Shikcann an F'n C.....nearly!
Scene Eight:
Dig, Dig and Dig.
A captured soldier tells his story. He is a convict conscripted from prison to dig front line trenches and fight.
Scene Nine:
Taken
Unexpectedly living in a distant camp, Vitaliy is homesick and mystified. He is coping well and remains hopeful…..
Scene Ten:
Have You Heard
The song has gone viral!
Everyone, everywhere is talking about it
- and singing it!
Scene Eleven:
Rescue Mission
Natalya embarks on a mission into her childhood homeland to rescue Vitaliy, with the help of her sister Katina. And they are successful!
Scene Twelve:
Yeah Nah (Too Far)
The President is told of the song's wide -ranging success! Angry, he activates his embassy death squad to take out that small-town songwriter.....
Scene Thirteen:
True Colours / BHD
The rescue party visits Ratmir and Lara on the way home. The Volkovs now understand more about what has been going down.
They realise they have been duped by their leaders and decide they have to do something about it….
Scene Fourteen (Finale):
Strange Dudes At Your Door
Small town residents spot and confront the visiting poison squad. The agents are foiled by neighbours who then offer sage advice which gives us a suitably "moral" ending….