'Electric Funeral'

If you have heard Black Sabbath's 1970 apocalyptic anthem - then you know the necessary background & setting for this story. Brian Francis Slattery does an impressive job painting a picture of decay, desperation, and despair. The moody atmosphere in this tale is incredible. On top of that, the dialogue is realistic, character motivations in the face of unimaginable trauma are surprisingly relatable, and descriptions are mind's-eye vivid and loaded with imagery.

Mr. Slattery can write.

I just wish that he had done more with all of that effort than using a straightforward "find the missing relative" plot as a scaffold to lay down anecdote after depressing anecdote. The overall "story" isn't terribly original. Slattery's exposé is clever and thought-provoking.. but also feels "artsy" and packed with imagery obviously intended to shock and trigger emotion. I occasionally felt manipulated by this glaringly apparent creative-writing exercise.

Michael Pritchard sounds quite disinterested on this project, too. His timbre and cadence are typically professional - and he admirably actually sings the few traditional ditties that festoon the text - but he overenunciates, reads at a plodding pace (listen at 1.15X for the optimal experience), and has a monotone delivery that underlines his determination to merely collect a cheque. This is nowhere near Mr. Pritchard's best work.

I was fairly disappointed with this 7/10 star recording. To be sure, Audible Studios Inc. do a great job maintaining production standards (offering great volume modulation and seamless splicing, for example) - this is a quality production.. but it didn't grab me.
I was fortunate enough to get it included as a 'Plus' selection with my membership - and if you can do likewise, do not hesitate.. but should they ask for a Credit (unless you're *really* into post-apocalyptic fiction), this book would be a debatable purchase.

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