EPIC: The Musical is a concept musical loosely adapting the story of the Odyssey, the famous Greek epic. Currently, it has seven “sagas” released, each featuring 3-5 songs, and “the Troy Saga” is the first of these!

Song 1: The Horse and the Infant

This song sets off the musical, starting off inside the Trojan Horse, one of Odysseus’ most famous tactical achievements. Notably, it establishes Odysseus’ main desire: to get back home to his wife and son in Ithaca. As he makes his way ransacking through Troy, a vision appears to him from Zeus, ordering him to make a heartbreaking decision. I love this song for its fast-moving lyrics and quick rhymes that sell the drama and tension of the scene. The instrumentals during the vocal break are also striking, setting up a danger motif that is repeated in many future songs.

Song 2: Just a Man

Odysseus has been faced with a decision. Kill a child or let him live, knowing that in the future the child will grow to take revenge on his family. In the musical, Odysseus’ instrument (the one he is most associated with) is the guitar, which switches types here to showcase his emotional side. It’s very striking and lamentful, and drives home the conflicted feelings Odysseus has.

Song 3: Full Speed Ahead

Odysseus and his crew begin sailing home after the grueling war. Eurylochus, his second in command, and Polites, his best friend, are both introduced. The song ends with Odysseus and Polites scouting out a strange island they encountered in hopes of finding food. I have to say, this is one of the catchiest songs in the whole musical. It also does a great job of foreshadowing with its lyrics: “But the problem’s not the distance / it’s what lies in-between”, of the dangers they will encounter ahead.

Song 4: Open Arms

Polites encourages Odysseus to let go of his coldly tactical mindset and be more welcoming, more kind, and “greet the world with open arms!.” On the island, they stumble across some creatures eating lotus fruits. After asking where they could find food, the creatures tell them about a cave to the east. This song has such a cheerful tone to it that it’s hard not to enjoy. The use of instruments like the kalimba and the marimba also add to the playful atmosphere so well.

Song 5: Warrior of the Mind

Odysseus is pulled into “Quick-Thought” by Athena, which is called her “signature move” by the creator. The two are pulled into an alternate reality space, and Athena scolds Odysseus for becoming soft, not being the “Warrior of the Mind” she expects him to be. Athena emphasizes her point by showing him the past, when he was young and she first started mentoring him. It ends with her telling him not to disappoint her. Athena’s motif is established in this song, along with her signature instrument of the piano. The vocals in this song are incredible, with Teagan Earley having such a powerful voice perfect for a strategy and war goddess.                

“The Troy Saga” is an excellent start to the Musical and does a great job of setting up the characters!