A Quantum Refrain
The Oral History of How a Fake Band Tried to Change the World
A Quantum Refrain: The Oral History of How a Fake Band Tried to Change the World is a genre-bending novel that merges cosmic horror, multiverse theory, and sharp social commentary into an immersive, multi-layered tale of rebellion, music, and existential stakes. At its heart is Hank Van Vice, the charismatic but tortured frontman of the band Queen Elizabeth's Abortions—a group that rises from obscurity to global fame while uncovering dark, supernatural forces that threaten to unravel reality itself.
The novel follows the band’s journey through political unrest, personal turmoil, and existential crises as they use their music to challenge societal norms, confront their own inner demons, and battle a cosmic entity known as the Bringer of Tears. Their genre-blurring sound—a chaotic collage of punk, indie, and cosmic elements—becomes a portal to alternate realities, drawing the attention of the authoritarian Lowler administration, which seeks to control their power for its own sinister purposes.
Told through a fragmented, nonlinear structure, A Quantum Refrain combines song lyrics, fan letters, journal entries, and interviews, creating a kaleidoscopic view of the band’s rise, struggles, and the larger forces at play. Each band member grapples with their role within the group, facing their own crises of identity and purpose, while Hank’s obsession with his missing sister, Phoebe, and the cryptic Echo Keepers—guardians of ancient mirrors that reflect alternate selves—propels the narrative forward.
The novel explores themes of rebellion, the power of art, identity, and the fragility of reality itself, making it a perfect fit for readers of David Foster Wallace’s Infinite Jest, Mark Z. Danielewski’s House of Leaves, and Jennifer Egan’s A Visit from the Goon Squad. It’s a story about music as a form of resistance, the search for meaning in a fractured world, and the transcendence of self through chaos and creativity.
With its blend of existential angst, dark humor, and speculative elements, A Quantum Refrain offers a bold, visionary narrative for fans of surreal fiction, cosmic horror, and literary rock & roll.