Grandpa Pope: Episode 2 – Ruthless Town (reviewed by Dave Franklin)

We have long been used to multimedia packages, the deft interplay of audio and visuals, and perhaps other artistic disciplines to create a multi-levelled experience. But Ruthless Town takes this concept even further. It mixes music with a narrative describing the titular town’s events and people. All of this, in turn, aligns itself with a range of craft beers produced for each episode of this musical, imaginative audiobook.

It’s a clever concept; depending on your preferences, there is something different here for everyone. If you like the idea of an online audiobook, a scintillating story that takes us by the hand and leads us through this beguiling urban tale, then you will love the concept. If music is more your thing, then there are plenty of songs and incidental music of all styles and genres to be enjoyed. And if you are interested in the associated beers, this is an excellent way of whetting your appetite in Ruthless Town.

This takes advertising to the next level, blending beer and music and a strange fantasy Western story to blur the edges and create a theme. Come for the music, stay for the story, and crack open a beer while you are here. It’s clever, very clever.