PICK THE LOCK

Jorjeana Marie portrays the innocence, resilience, and burgeoning rebellion of 16-year-old Jane, daughter of punk rock star Mina Placenta. The years of spousal abuse experienced by Mina are revealed by security tapes taken in her home. Marie's narration gains gravity and menace when Vernon, Jane's controlling, abusive father, speaks. It softens when expressing the tenderness of Mina who, when not touring, is imprisoned in pneumatic tubes throughout the house. A.S. King's authoritative voice, along with musical riffs, delineates the punk opera sections that are Jane's creative outlet. Max Meyers's threatening tones define the evil of a shape-shifting rat who promises destruction. Amid these surreal elements, Marie projects Jane's intensity, her determination to escape the abusive environment of her family, and the freedom experienced by all at the audio's end. S.W. © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2024]