In this week’s ‘Classics Week’-themed Vox Populi, we invite Year 13 student and esteemed classicist Jasper Davis to cast a critical eye over The Mechanism’s second album, 'Ulysses Dies at Dawn'.

Greek mythology. Steampunk. Pirates. If any of these things interest you, check out the album Ulysses Dies at Dawn, an intricate retelling of numerous Greek myths set in a post-capitalist wasteland. Released in 2013, this is The Mechanism’s second album, utilising a mix of country and ballad styles of music to thrilling effect.

The album follows the story of the hero Ulysses after the battle of Ilium (Troy) being accosted by a gang dubbed “The Pinstripes.” This gang is made up of famous Greek heroes all striving for different goals, which creates interesting internal conflict. This isn’t a simple work, tackling the same issues the ancient poets did – honour, loyalty, and the worship of the Olympian gods.

The Mechanisms - the “immortal pirate crew” of the ship Aurora – are the narrators and they have such fun inserting themselves into the events of the story. This seamless integration of the crew into the tale, both narratively and musically - without it being ham-fisted - is a testament to the skill of the musicians.

The brains behind this project are involved in other works such as the award-winning Magnus Archives horror podcast (author and main voice actor Jon Sims being the frontman). If you’re interested in albums that tell a story, or have listened to the Magnus Archives and want to hear more from Johnny, or are simply interested in Greek mythology and modern sci-fi retellings of the classics, then Ulysses Dies at Dawn is the album for you.