Chris Bush, operating under the moniker Computer Nerd, has always been an artist drawn to the intersection of nostalgia and ambition. Previously known for instrumental, chiptune-inspired soundtracks evoking retro video games, Bush has now taken a significant leap with ’s release of 20,000 Years & Still Going Strong, a full-blown rock opera. The project, while undeniably sincere, reveals both the potential and the pitfalls inherent in tackling such a complex form.
The rock opera format, as Bush himself acknowledges, is a demanding one. It requires not only musical prowess but also a narrative discipline to translate expansive ideas into a cohesive audio drama. While giants like Pink Floyd’s The Wall and, more recently, The Protomen’s self-titled trilogy have demonstrated the format’s power, many attempts fall short, overwhelmed by their own scope. 20,000 Years & Still Going Strong occupies a space somewhere in between – a fascinating, flawed work brimming with intriguing concepts.
The album’s premise is, admittedly, a bit outlandish: an immortal man reflecting on past romances while simultaneously being courted by a lonely artificial intelligence. Bush doesn’t shy away from the inherent quirkiness, peppering the album with lyrical asides about earwax and employing deliberately bizarre vocal arrangements. However, this isn’t a project defined by its eccentricity; rather, the oddities feel like intentional flourishes within a fundamentally earnest exploration of love, loss, and the search for connection across millennia.
Instrumentally, the album shines. From the opening bars, a peppy, guitar-driven energy reminiscent of early Genesis or Camel establishes a warm, inviting atmosphere. Retro synth tones, meandering guitar solos, and a generally unhurried pace contribute to a sense of charm over spectacle. The inclusion of a jazzy saxophone in tracks like “No Reason” and “Give Me Time” adds welcome texture, as does a particularly noteworthy bass solo in “The Other Side of You.” Bush demonstrates a clear aptitude for crafting melodic, approachable prog rock, but occasionally allows instrumental passages to overstay their welcome, lingering past their dramatic peak.
The album’s most significant challenges lie in its vocal execution. Burke Hutchinson, portraying the immortal protagonist, aims for a conversational, Broadway-style delivery. Unfortunately, his vocal range proves insufficient for the demands of the role, with passages frequently marred by unsteady pitch and a reedy tone. Yannie, voicing the various romantic interests, fares somewhat better, exhibiting a more refined technique. However, even her performance is hampered by vocal lines that feel awkwardly composed, as if Bush were attempting to write a full-fledged musical for an audio-only format.
This disconnect between ambition and execution is particularly evident in the album’s lyrics. The narrative remains frustratingly oblique, unfolding across lengthy, segmented tracks filled with verbose prose and awkwardly emphasized syllables. While the album avoids relying on cheap gimmicks, a few choices – such as the off-key chorus in the opening track and a spoken-word skit in “Dance on a Star” – are undeniably jarring. The sheer volume of words often obscures the emotional core of the story, making it difficult to grasp the overarching plot arc.
Despite these shortcomings, 20,000 Years & Still Going Strong is not without its moments of brilliance. The penultimate track, “Code Blue (Reprise),” showcases the album’s potential. A soaring guitar solo, backed by choral vocals and shimmering synths, builds to a powerful climax as Hutchinson delivers one of his most compelling performances. In these fleeting moments, the narrative, the instrumentation, and the vocal performances coalesce into a truly captivating experience.
Computer Nerd’s debut rock opera is a testament to the power of ambition, even in the face of limitations. While it doesn’t quite achieve the monumental status of its prog rock predecessors, it offers a glimpse into the creative vision of an artist unafraid to take risks. The album’s instrumental foundations are strong, and its flashes of melodic brilliance suggest a promising future for Bush’s work. 20,000 Years & Still Going Strong may not be a perfect monument to immortality, but it’s a compelling and sincere effort that hints at even greater things to come.
Recommended tracks: “The Other Side of You,” “Give Me Time,” “Code Blue (Reprise).”
Listeners who enjoy the work of Agropelter, Adjy, The Circle of Wonders, and Frost* may also find something to appreciate in Computer Nerd’s expansive sound.
Final verdict: 5/10
Related links: Bandcamp | Instagram
Computer Nerd is:
– Chris James Bush (composition and lyrics, additional vocals, keyboard, flute)
With guests:
– Burke Hutchinson (vocals)
– Yannie (vocals)
– Murphy Aucamp (drums)
– Josh Uguccioni (bass)
– Franco Vittore (guitar)
– Miles Wilkins (keyboard)
– Daniel Sadownick (percussion)
– Jessica Greenfield (additional vocals)
– Daniel Berkey (tenor sax)
– Raymond Klassen (dobro)
