Prelude to The Archandroid and first installment of a conceptual series of records, Metropolis is a fair introduction to Janelle's quirks as an artist. For this listener, the spoils of what follows overshadows its charms. Metropolis plays as another union of instrumentals reaching into a diverse past for inspiration, paired with sharp, groove inducing percussion, its a fantastic reinvention of timeless musical expressions.
With March Of The Wolfmasters, the thematic premise is laid bare, somewhat spelt out. Outlawed robotic romantics, a vision of science fiction imagined future, plucked from the 20th centuries early decades and intermingled with a very human narrative. So to does the music plunder gloriously with trumpeted Swing band elements, theatrical string sections and stabbing horror organ melodies spun to a jovial rhythm.
Although a brief EP, its focus slips at the end with Mr. President. Pivoting to a plea on current social woes, the shift in tone is jarring. Then proceeded by a cover of Smile her incredible voice sadly doesn't quite suite. It was however an excuse to learn about a song covered many times, going far back to Charlie Chaplin. On Metropolis, Its clear the groundwork was laid for great things to follow, however the core three songs that merited this thematic inspiration was ready for more at this point in time.
Rating: 5/10