Since Steampunk is referred to as retro-
futurism, musical interpretation can include modern instruments. In fact the sci-fi elements of Steampunk lend quite well to the usage of keyboards and Electric Guitars. In the Melting Clock we use modern instruments to give impressions of a retro-future past rather than relying on a strict Victorian interpretation. This frees us up to make music that can make just as much sense on alternative radio as it does within the walls of a Steampunk Con. Another way that we tie our music to Steampunk is the overall story of the album, which is about a half mechanical man who awakens in our time and tries to re-create his lost love. In this way he can exist in the past, the now, and the future. Here are a couple examples:
In this song we use keyboard sounds to create an image of a mad engineer working in his lab. There are sounds of steel being forged and Tesla Coils in full swing. Near the end percussive sounds are combined to give the impression of a steam engine.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nz9TTuSLD_YIn this song electric guitar is used to give a gritty undertone. Again to give you the impression of a steam locomotive spilling plumes of coal smoke and steam.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXwf2PwOEX0In this song modern sounds are used to make you feel like you are inside of a clockwork universe.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPJfcMGbJ0oWhether or not our approach is a successful interpretion of Steampunk is up to the listener. I just think that there is plenty of room for the use of modern instrumentation. I mean who's to say someone wouldn't have plugged a guitar into a Tesla coil?!? lol
