The Clockwork Quartet - The Watchmaker's Apprentice

[@Gneckes]

That glee in the line "and at six on the dot, he came to a messy and permanent stop" is so great to hear.

[@ryzancovers3293]

There is a certain energy with this song. It's so raw, yet so mechanical. Like ya get the sounds of the ticking clocks and gears, but u also get the reverb of the acoustic guitar. Like you still get the hum of an overstrung guitar string with the perfection of the clockwork. Also the lyrics add another layer of realism. From a musical standpoint, it's near perfect!

[@galadballcrusher8182]

u know what it reminds me off? Elizabeth 1 from Camelot

[@rorygiambalvo2955]

"The most perfect invention that still kept impeccable time" always gets me

[@bumblybee333]

There's something so deliciously satisfying about that line/how it's sang!

[@lazerwing3022]

Rory Giambalvo I always think: "the most perfect invention that still kept impeccable thyme" for some reason

[@hellish3706]

i know what you mean, its that part and the "It's all worked out like clockwork..." part that gets me too

[@MisterManTheBestMan]

Personally I feel like the part where he says he stayed up all night gets me. It feels like you can hear his struggle in his voice.

[@lorekeeper685]

its a good song

[@FrilledMayfly_AmberlyFerrule]

I've known this song for years and always come back to it, its so perfect. The emotion is so phenomenal and I'm obsessed with the ticking of clocks being part of the song

[@enevy3165]

2:18 the background sounds around this part are so satisfying to listen to, especially if you have good quality earphones/headphones. All the clicks and sound effects in the background

[@dace48]

This is so underrated. I've always loved the background music and how it slowly becomes more discordant as he starts to slip into insanity.

[@electronkaleidoscope5860]

Had the idea of plugging one of those little radio transmitters for cars into my PC, and I'm pleased to report that these guy's music sounds just as great if not better though an old tube radio. Cool as all heck, and immensely thematically appropriate.

[@Loamsoft]

This song still gives me chills years later. Absolutely incredible piece.

[@robertthegreek]

Ditto.

[@gabesterwitz9054]

Man, the nightcore version of this was recommended to me years ago randomly, and I never bothered to find the original. Now the original version was recommended to me randomly all these years later! Phenomenal music.

[@mauriciohernandez1728]

Where's the Nightcore version? I can't find it

[@GilDragonGamer]

I wish this was on Spotify

[@katzenslak2535]

It's not?!

[@Sabiyori]

agree

[@shikarymtg]

I second this

[@Sherlock423]

Still not on. Trying to find it

[@Sherlock423]

Can we add it for the band? How does that work? If someone does please reply here

[@GenerallyChaotic6839]

ITS BEEN ALMOST 9 YEARS !! this will forever be an awesome song

[@stitchgor3]

11 now!

[@AbstraktVisaj]

I like the picture used. The pocket watch shows it is 6 o'clock. Accuracy at its finest.

[@illiardbilliard2355]

I've been listening to this song for years and I'm still not over it. The pure malice that drips from it is unmatched.

[@PhialSubstance]

This one was always my favourite. The melodies, the rhythm, the story... just such an amazing piece.

[@DamonFyrian]

+Phial Substance I prefer it to The Doctor's Wife, to be completely honest. I like both songs, I just like this one more.

[@Masqueradia]

The doctor's wife made you feel sorry for the singer. With this, you either congratulate or damn him.

[@DamonFyrian]

Masqueradia Or a little bit of both.

[@p1ckmansm0del]

I like how how the watchmaker's erstwhile apprentice's pocket watch wasn't specified, leaving how it killed a man to the imagination.

[@fieldy409]

I think a spring came loose at the rear and sprang straight into the flesh.

[@tarantula_7u863]

I always imagined it was a time bomb.

[@CrankyCrabChaos]

Wish you guys would return. I really enjoy your music. All three songs I know of.

[@Marionettemonty]

I wish they would too.

[@MassiveDestructionSP]

We really need more of these...

[@wolvesofabyss8235]

So do I.

[@kyleedwards6026]

MassiveDestructionSP unfortunately these guys made 3 songs and fucked off

[@classclown1024]

Kyle Edwards they made a graphic novel. And were low on funding. So...

[@stitchgor3]

@@classclown1024shame :(

[@Misterunnamed]

All the songs that this guy has done are fantastic. I wish they would release more.

[@zakosist]

I just read the lyrics, and it's a really fascinating story in itself even without the music. Great song as well, I like the kind of eerie mood

[@budgetinsomniac665]

I get I'm like 7 years late but, if you are, by chance, not dead, inactive, nor skipping over your notifications, i could inform you that 1:it was a song about a graphic novel, and that 2: the novel was unfortunately "put on hold", tally Hall style.

[@zakosist]

@@budgetinsomniac665 thanks for telling me

[@stitchgor3]

@@budgetinsomniac665aw man, not tally hall style!

[@i29moonraker]

As an artisan who's hands have been replaced by technology...this song never ceases to make me smile.

[@ambidexter2017]

I so want a full-blown musical based on this. It'd be like Sweeney Todd in steampunk/clockworkpunk setting!

[@sugamotomagasaki7109]

only if they share the same director, afterall tim burton isnt new to such themes he made Edward Scissorhands too

[@SkitariiAlpha]

The dolls of new albion is pretty good

[@tayloraltmiller9529]

Look at the link in the desciption. They tried to do a story but nothing's come of it for years.

[@ambidexter2017]

@@tayloraltmiller9529 I'm still not losing hope.

[@tayloraltmiller9529]

@@ambidexter2017 I tried emailing the 'Jobs' email on the website and am hoping for a response, I haven't lost hope yet.

[@CaladonianQueen]

So diabolical! I listen to this when I want to feel like a supervillain.

[@FaTBuddha904]

you got that right

[@i.m.4157]

Kate Roy; i do that too XD i love this song!! it´s truly maquiavelic , i mean, the apprentice knew that Mr. Mc Arthur would know he did it, but he would have no proof, so he´ll be inevitable ruined and on top of all, he would have to live with the shame of being understimated and labeled as an incompetent by everyone,...precise like a swiss clock and permanent; with no posibility of being accused, and just in case, he would have the perfect alibi to make whoever investigating him waste enough time checking on the clockwork machine to give him enough time to left the town ...assuming that we only count with Victorian Era´s investigation methods and knowledge, it can b very probably the so called "perfect crime", isn´t it? ;)

[@finngilmore6421]

I agree, but Doctor steel is my jam :)

[@Cretaal]

This seriously needs to become a stage piece at some sort of convention. It would make a great short opera scene!

[@sophiaverbree5038]

agree

[@stitchgor3]

This and vagabond opera

[@KefkieTeapot]

It's been 5 years since I found Clockwork Quartet's genius. I am still waiting for more music from them.

[@zachariahcorvish4860]

Ah, just remembered this Beautiful piece. Such excellent use of different sounds to build up an environment.

[@Snowboardalien]

I'm sad since I can't find these on Spotify anymore. And these are bangers of songs

[@einjel315]

the metronome ticking of the clocks were mesmerizing ~

[@jessehatred3667]

Damnit I wish they would revive this project... so much money to be had for them these days!

[@nullifier-jake]

I'd pay anything to hear you come back. Half my friends I was into steampunk with are gone, the other half dead. I miss it... and them.

[@ThanatosRXthana7]

bump, this is a great song, deserves more recognition

[@andreaswalliser1110]

That Mr. McArthur's looked all over town, But he won't find me now for I'm off coastward bound. And I'm trading the smog for some fresh salt sea air And he'll never catch on that I'm there. I once was his apprentice, in the clock-making trade, And the miser made me work for every penny of my wage. 'Til he found he could replace me with a clockwork machine, And he threw me right out on the street. I'm not the kind who would grovel and pray That he deign to recant and permit me to stay, So I cursed him and left and I solemnly swore that he'd pay. Now Mr. McArthur has very poor eyes, And he never did see me when he left work at night. And once in a while he would forget to check That his workshop back window was closed. No I'm not a burglar and I'm no vandal nor. The old man had to suffer, but I wanted something more: I wanted him to feel it and know it was me, And I knew that his clocks were the key. I sat in his workshop, my thoughts running wild, And it suddenly hit me, and I looked up and smiled For I knew that I'd have him and I knew that I'd do it in style. I tell you that clockwork's a powerful thing; There's a terrible strength in those tightly wound springs. And a gentleman's pocketwatch stays by his heart, And that's where the damage can start. Now I'm no machine but I can work when I choose, With hands good as any when I've something to prove. So I stayed up all night among cogs, springs and screws, And I didn't stop 'til I was through. I rigged up a watch to do more than just chime , And I didn't balk once at the depth of my crime - A most perfect invention that still kept impeccable time. The next week a young man stopped by in the shop, Took a shine to a timepiece and paid on the spot. He wound it, and wore it, and at 6 on the dot He came to a messy and permanent stop. Now Mr. McArthur's got blood on his hands, And he barely made bail, he's a ruined man, And surely he knows who his downfall was planned by, It's all worked out like clockwork.

[@Patadude100]

Wow, I listened to the song too.

[@zachleavitt87]

Andreas Walliser good job. You know the lesson of revenge

[@zachleavitt87]

Secretary but did he listen to it 30 plus times... You did not.

[@comettamer]

Thanks. Unlike secretary there, i can appreciate when someone takes the time to post the lyrics in case someone else didnt catch what was being said.

[@cractor6307]

@@Patadude100 English is not my main language, so i really appreciate when someone writes the lyrics

[@theprisoner3]

This song got a whole new meaning now with the advent of AI replacing creatives

[@ominoustube117]

This song is really well-written - so stylized!

[@h3art5ickofficial]

Bring back the clockwork quartet 2021

[@mallardduckjrh8048]

The ticking, background sound effect, music accompaniment and vocals create an amazing song

[@sporest]

god i fucking adore this song so much. heard it once in highschool, and it has never left me

[@MadHatter42]

Does anybody know what happened to these guys? They made three kick-ass songs, and then vanished like rust in the wind.

[@jamesingram2950]

Ed, who organised the group, went on to run Newspeak House in London.

[@marcinsmyczek8583]

I've heard rumors that they got caught up in some ruckuss with the Alchemist Guild in New Albion, but couldn't confirm.

[@MrManoish]

And it has been years

[@Dubs22005]

prolly went out to sea cause they killed a clockmaker

[@Lazarus131s3]

@@marcinsmyczek8583 Tried to steal some pearls?

[@FelineSamantha]

In my opinion, this and Doctor Steel's "Lament For A Toy Factory" are the very best Steampunk songs about seeking revenge.

[@ViceAdmiralHoratioNeIson]

+FelineSamantha The second act of The Dolls of New Albion is also very good, Steampunk, and revenge-y.

[@crypticmrchimes]

Specifically, Edgar Builds a Business. It always gets to me...

[@ThingsUnknown]

YES! I miss Doctor Steel.

[@comettamer]

"The Copper War" is my favorite. A man who lost his living to a man who does it better comes looking for revenge, only to meet a nasty end along with those backing him, because he underestimated the guy he was trying to kill and the town that celebrated the man.

[@vaiterius]

I messaged the band on facebook once asking what's up, sadly I was left on read.

[@darlingJasper]

"It's all worked out like clockwork" makes me think of "Just as planned".

[@filiurwish1858]

The Watchmaker's Apprentice and The Mariner from Mariner's Revenge should meet for a coffee.

[@Lazarus131s3]

We need the Victorian revenge connected universe

[@edwardsaperia3347]

The Mariner's Revenge Song inspired this whole project, in fact!

[@liveletlive3235]

Still here 8yrs later

[@eDrIClImOAnCo]

There once a man from the clockwork shop, Who build such art till sudden stop. Rumor spread of his bloody hand, Who set a trap with a wicked plan. And paid the price he did, he did, A smile appeared behind the grid. With accurate time he display such skill, To blame old man for the gruesome kill.

[@Joseph_Drew_III]

*mild applause*

[@witherstarimaginary1032]

I just sang that right after the song and it fits so perfectly

[@thischannelisdead4058]

This is fantastic! I never expected to find a steampunk type of band that has amazing storytelling that, honestly, highly reminds me of Tim Burton in a way.

[@Allie-w1l]

Literally sitting here with my mouth hanging open. This had me in suspense until the end, and oh my god, what an end. I'm glad I clicked on this. Subscribed!

[@marylizabetha]

The first time I actually paid attention to the lyrics my eyes widened and it was like I was watching a suspense scene.

[@kiaraintheforest]

Now Mr McAruthur, he had a fine daughter And as I watched my sin from afar She caught my eye, to this day that gaze I suffer Her eyes were red, she cried and cried She knew that I did it, even as I tried To be a gentlemen, act the innocent boy But who would have guessed that her tears were of joy.

[@Awooga123123123]

Who sang this? His voice is most delightful -

[@AskForDoodles]

Shiori Pyon I finally found his name; the singer is a uk musician called Hugo Sheppard.

[@Awooga123123123]

yes! thanks

[@reeceolibear3779]

I feel the Hugo is an awesome steampunk name

[@rebeccagorski1247]

He is amazing lol when he sings it is almost like you want to dance to the rythm of the song♥️

[@quinctiliusvarus5534]

10 лет назад! 10 лет! Почему, Ютуб? Почему ты только сейчас решил мне это показать? Это должен быть мюзкил, а не единичная песня!

[@augustedupin7112]

Есть ещё две песни и графическая новелла

[@evandermars6179]

Hello Jonathan. If you're reading this, you've cracked my code. Hope you played fair because I sure had fun. Let's keep the final cipher between us unless you've already told the others. Congratulations.

[@Lazarus131s3]

You ok?

[@Romanticoutlaw]

it's been about a thousand years since I listened to this one god I love it

[@bernadetterayes9110]

I see this as maybe Joker's apprentice who is obsessed with clockwork.

[@lordbruh4749]

this song makes me want to build an explosive pocket watch

[@breederfly]

What a visual song! So easy to feel the story! I hope thee is more.

[@my_girl_seraphine5294]

We need more music like this

[@rosalietharp]

I am doing a dance to this song for Christmas, I am so exited to do the performance! I love this song so much!

[@edwardsaperia3347]

Do you have a video? I'd love to see!

[@rosalietharp]

​@@edwardsaperia3347 I don't 😔 but that dance was one of my very favorites

[@katzenslak2535]

10 years since i first found this song and i still love it

[@Euforia706]

I really love this song. Hope one it's on Spotify

[@KefkieTeapot]

Hands down, my favorite The Clockwork Quartet song!

[@bLexi57]

I absolutely love The Clockwork Quartet. Each of their (admittedly few) songs tells a amazing tale, and can almost be interpreted as story telling AND music. Most (notice how I said most) of the music genres today *cough* pop *cough* feature singers complaining about how their boyfriend/girlfriend breaking up with them, only to then sing about in their next song the latest bombshell they picked up. Steampunk FTW!

[@ceedeeplayer118]

are their songs really only 3? damn, I took an entire week to try finding more of their songs

[@bLexi57]

So did I, my friend. So did I...

[@blindey]

bLexi57 They are far too busy working on the graphic novel and other such endeavors~

[@hidinginyourcloset]

bLexi57 It kinda reminds me of Series Of Unfortunate Events.

[@ragnaroksbringer]

If anybody out there is solid at producing, I'd be down to provide vocals and lyrics to similarly styled work.

[@yetanother9127]

Anyone else imagining the booby-trapped watch acting like the Spring-Razors from _Dishonored_?

[@MuseofDiscord]

Literally exactly

[@hexazalea]

I wasn't; but i am now.

[@ThorirPP]

Muse of Discord. Oh, wow. I just came from watching your version of this song, and here I find a comment from you. Makes sense, had to listen to the song to make a MoDified version of it. Great work by the way. I found this song long time ago (2012-2013) and found it shame it wasn't used by someone else for anything (music video, cover, tribute) so seeing you make one of it was a great enjoyment. Thanks for that, and have a great day.

[@kingdomoffryslan4920]

I don't know what those are, I've always wanted to play dishornored though, But I imagine springs just unwinding milliseconds before the cover snaps off of the watch and springs and shrapnel flies everywhere. Kinda like an IED

[@hexazalea]

NextPageGaming - Spring razors are the same idea but they're spring wound wires that are strong enough to slice through people. so basiclythe watch would release a ton of extremely sharp wires at a high speed which are deadly when they go off by foot let alone your heart. That said it should be noted dishonored isnt steampunk or clockwork. over all its all about whale oil so it kinda qualifies more as gaslamp and not the other too. maybe dieselpunk really really dieselpunk. Oh and the whale oil is glowing blue and the whales aren't actual whales.... Its hard to pindown but theres no steam so people should stop calling it steampunk. But incorrect termiinology is just my petpeeve so what ever.

[@kinkynoots]

I only just found this, and I'm so glad I did. Beautiful...

[@ethanpack3116]

This reminds me so much of "The Death of the Cog" by The Cog is Dead

[@jackfortey282]

why is it that i love this song more than any i have heard before?

[@Throki]

Still here in 2021 and waiting for the album. :(

[@Solidfact42]

This was brilliant. Not knowing anything about it other than having just listened to the song, it kind of reminds me of Poe in its subject matter.

[@aytchpee]

"my boss was a bit of a prick so I....murdered a random person"

[@mattsmustang65]

So haunting and beautiful

[@hidinginyourcloset]

Please make more of these, holy crap!

[@mauitherapper1653]

"now I'm no machine, but I can work when I choose. With hands good as any when I've something to prove" I can relate to this so much

[@Gimpthulhu]

Great Stuff!! Something about this reminds me of "The Cask of Amontillado" by The Alan Parsons Project.

[@karasutenka]

You know... You are absolutely right. Good catch. :D

[@ominoustube117]

+SpeedGimp It really reminds me of some arty '70s epic brit-rock, (Queen, Bowie, Pink Floyd)

[@tabithasheil5033]

I am trying to write a steampunk book and it was somewhat inspired by this. (My username is my author name actually.) On the other hand, I happened to be listening to the soundtrack from the Myst game series when this appeared out of the blue. Clockwork Quartet is very unique and has a Myst-like feel.

[@Celticfusionvibes]

The song is about the industrial revolution but today we live in the AI revolution which is very much the same. Industrial "The transition from creating goods by hand to using machines" Today - "The study of intelligent systems that could execute tasks and activities that would require human level intelligence."

[@punkqueentheresa]

For some weird but in a cool way reason, this song makes me think of the movie "Nightmare Before Christmas" when I hear it. :D

[@kittentuson5892]

I think it's the use of the accordion

[@nuclearcatbaby1131]

I think Danny Elfman would like this band. Reminds me a little of his song “Wild Sex (In the Working Class)” with the clinkity-clanking sound effects.

[@Amaladenfer666]

sad that you don't make other, these 3 are so good!

[@corvaxblackfeather6529]

I absolutly love this Song... it even inspired me to a nice little LARP Charakter in a Steampunk setting... so Thanks for all the Inspiration!

[@dingereelamta2101]

Welp, I know what I'm doing to my boss tomorrow.

[@Kingdeathtrooper]

Dingeree Lamta I don't know if you meant this, but he killed a customer, not his boss (as evident by him having to make bail from the crime)

[@charleshammack9033]

Steven King Perhaps he means sabotage?

[@randomnerd2694]

Steven King He means frame his boss for murder

[@xavizd.8904]

Oh shit.🤣

[@karenktq]

Please come back and make new masterpieces :(

[@MissMarigold32]

First time listening I thought he was going to kill his boss. But nope he was doing something much worse to the guy.

[@AngelCanseco1]

Oh that is so true, their music is simply amazing and completely worth the wait ^^

[@imaghostbtw]

I heard this from a roblox game years ago and looked it up because I liked the song and never stopped listening to it

[@edwardsaperia3347]

Do you remember what the roblox game was called?

[@GremlinJohnny]

ME TOO!!!!!! was it a myth game?

[@icarushasfallen7906]

This gives such Jack and the Cuckoo Clock Heart vibes

[@zephronias]

Clockwork Quartet made one of the best revenge songs ever, then vanished. o7

[@tmstbsjms]

I spoke to the creators of this and they said that once they get financially stable they will continue this and their comics

[@cyqry]

I saw on the Reddit that apparently they refused a donation? Not sure if that's true but to me that sounds more like they'd given up rather than waiting for stability.

[@ykeloy5655]

+Angryboy yeah I saw that the other day. Come on! We don't want more. We need more.

[@tmstbsjms]

lol

[@rosemurphy8026]

there are reasons why someone might refuse a donation for example if someone said "ill give you $X if you do Y" in this example it is to keep their creative freedom but their are other reasons

[@tmstbsjms]

ik I should donate i love them they are so nice and creative they deserve money but not for an outcome more things will be made in the future

[@ThanatosRXthana7]

so good

[@Bunji2k6]

There's a movie called Steamboy that's pretty great. An anime that is in progress with steampunk-elements is Attack on Titan, or Shingeki no Kyojin if you wanna be fancy. An older anime called Samurai 7 also has some steampunk elements.

[@tarantula_7u863]

I don't know if anyone else imagined this, but I always liked to think that the apprentice made a small, timed explosive out of the pocketwatch.

[@bavarianbanshee]

I imagined it more that he rigged the watch so the mechanism would fail and one or more of the springs would break free and pierce the heart. That way, it would really seem like it was McCarthy's fault. The lyrics seem to support it, too. "I tell you that clockwork's a powerful thing; There's a terrible strength in those tightly wound springs. And a gentleman's pocketwatch stays by his heart, And that's where the damage can start."

[@tarantula_7u863]

@@bavarianbanshee Yeah, that's true. I always thought about the lyrics near the end "He came to a messy and permanent stop". That sounded like a time bomb to me.

[@calijahboone1910]

My great grandfather was a watch maker maybe I should pick up the trade

[@spygoth6442]

Calijah Boone DO IT!!!

[@daydreamingninja]

Beautiful; it vaguely reminds me of the story of the Demon barber of fleet street.

[@michaelharvey5138]

Brilliant music, and great story!!..

[@jknight841]

I love this band work

[@acoolguy3299]

Why are there so few these things are so awesome, especially this one how it's mostly the clocks instead of an instrument

[@Ataurion]

We need more steampunk music!

[@andrewfrank18]

the one dislike must have been the watchmaker lol

[@NeonsStyleHD]

Love the image for this song...

[@SkylordSweddy]

I require an instrumental only version

[@rebeccagorski3544]

i love your music its amazing and this is my fav song i love it.

[@spiritualgurl25]

I LOVE this story! I totally relate to how this guy feels n honestly I'd do the same thing too.

[@VaguelyMe]

Dark and lovely, thank you.

[@lackluster2594]

Love that this dude essentially killed an innocent man cause his boss was a dick and there were no clockmaker unions

[@dontfear_thereaper]

This reminds me of my grandfather who was a watchmaker ;-;