Pat O'Connor Opens Up About Controversial Masterpiece
Interview on January 26th, 2010 by David Carey

Before Blue Luster was started, James, JD, and Pat had gone separate ways after the break up of On The Brink. Still keeping in contact and good friends, there was almost no hope of the three getting back together. Still living in Delaware County, Pat and James met up one night to talk about life, music, and beer. What happened next eventually lead to Pat's most in-depth song writing over his entire music career. What happened next was an eventual reunion and re-determination to take over the world. Pat sat down with BL.net and told us about, "The Difference".


David Carey: Thanks for taking time from your busy schedule to give us some insight on your four song masterpiece.

Pat O'Connor: It's no problem.

DC: So, can you say that during the break up that these four songs were the, "difference" in getting back together with your former mates?

PO: I think so, I was going through a lot at that time personally and I just missed playing music so much and playing with those guys [James and JD] and I just had to do something. I met with James and pounded some beers and the rest is history.

DC: You're very proud of your work here, can you tell us about, "The Difference" and what it means?

PO: Certainly. In the winter of 2006 James and I were solving the worlds problems over some pints of potent IPA at a local pub in Muncie. At the time we were both very much into the idea of a progressive metal concept album, partially due to our fascination with "Operation Mindcrime" and the whole social and religious aspect that the album entails. As the pints continued to be consumed our conversation turned to writing our own concept album. We then shot off several ideas from the hip. James told me an idea he had about a man, who through research, somehow disproved everything the Bible teaches. He basically proves there is no God and that religion is a farce. The story of one day being hailed as a savior to the next day being scorned and persecuted for his discovery intrigued me and almost instantly my mind began to race with the possibilities. Over the next several weeks I began to write more feverishly than I had in months and the ideas, both musically and lyrically , began to flow without explanation. Within two months I had everything complete. I took the initial idea that was brought to the table by James and I expanded upon it. I also made it more complicated and wrote it from all sides of the story. One of the things I also inserted into this piece is a sense of unknown. That is, I wanted to let the listeners determine for themselves what actually happens to the world, religion, and the scientist who discovers this deep dark secret. In the end I came up with a story that is less about controversy and more about the everlasting power of faith.

DC: Tell us about the first two songs; "The Gathering Storm" and "The Difference"

PO: It's [Gathering Storm] a musical prelude that sets the stage for a cataclysmic event that will shake man kind to it's very core. It is much like the story of Noah and the Ark.
Like 2112 by Rush, I chose a musical centerpiece that is used throughout this concept. C# seemed like a very avenged key. Very calm and noble at the same time. The overture tells the story of the scientist and how he works diligently on his discovery. The second part of the overture is the mass effect his discovery has on society and social order. Notice the reference of burning Churches and a savior without a crown. The third is a call from all who still believe for God to show his face and save us from what is happening. By the time the overture has reached it's climax you are faced with a society in total dismay and a scientist who is now questioning his discovery. Faith???? You decide.

DC: There is an acoustic piece in here. It's the only one in Blue Luster catalog.

PO: Right, The Scientist Requiem. Again like 2112 and other concept pieces, I decided to set the most monumental part of the story to a soft, mellow, and soothing score. During this piece we discover that the scientist is now dying from his own discovery, not by the judgment of man, but by the judgment in his own heart and mind. What has been done can't be taken back and he is now faced with the monumental task of forgiving himself and finally responding to something he has denied, yet in the back of his mind, he has always known to be true. Faith is something that not even science can disprove. Of course this task is so overwhelming that the weight of it causes his death. Pretty heavy dialog for such a sweet melody. You can compare it to Nero playing his fiddle as Rome burns to the ground.

DC: Next, the music becomes very intense and picks up with a blistering tempo and shredding guitar licks. What is "Hop Lies Ahead" about?

PO:At this point, we reach the end of our little journey. This is where the listener gets to decide what happens to the world, Christianity, etc... A brutal progressive piece that to most would be described as "all hell breaking loose" The piece does display some inspiring sequences and some soulful melodies which give the listener the idea that Hope does Lie ahead. Then in the next breath you might think, "this looks bad for all”, so the premise of what actually happens is known by only Blue Luster.

DC: Any word on when these songs will be available?

PO: We're recording right now, but that's all I'll say about that.