This One’s for England (Strung Out Records, 2014)
American progressive rock band Discipline has released several live albums in the past on its own label and various other imprints. This One’s for England is the latest live recording and a wonderful opportunity to listen to the current incarnation of the band.
This One’s for England is a double set, recorded live on May 5, 2012 at the Majestic Theater in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. It’s Discipline’s follow-up to the 2011 studio album titled To Shatter All Accord.
Discipline’s sound revolves around the charismatic figure of lead vocalist, keyboardist and composer Matthew Parmenter. His profound and theatrical vocal style sounds like a marvelous cross between Peter Nichols of IQ and Van der Graaf Generator’s Peter Hammill. Parmenter uses primarily organ, mellotron and piano, creating vivid atmospheres. The instrumental virtuosity is left to versatile guitarist John Preston Gouda who develops memorable epic solos and powerful textures. The skilled rhythm section includes Mathew Kennedy on bass and Paul Dzendzel on drums.
This One’s for England contains well-balanced selection of shorter songs and classic prog epic suites, such as the 23-minute long ‘Rogue.’ The group plays symphonic progressive rock inspired by progressive rock-era Genesis, Van der Graaf Generator and some of the more exciting neoprog bands of the 1980s such as IQ.
Discipline was founded in Detroit in 1987. Their earliest shows attracted attention with its vibrant mix of music and uncommon theatrics. Discipline’s 1993 album Push & Profit helped the band reach a national audience. Their 1997 CD, Unfolded Like Staircase is one of best American progressive rock album of the 1990s.
Discipline will be playing at Popps Packing in Hamtramck (Detroit) on Saturday, September 20, 2014. Discipline rarely performs live, even in their hometown of Detroit, so this is an extraordinary opportunity to watch the band live. The concert begins at 9:00 PM. Admission is free. Donations to support Popps Packing are welcome. Popps Packing is an arts studio and venue founded in 2007 by husband and wife team, Graem Whyte (sculptor and architecture aficionado) and Faina Lerman (painter and performance artist).
Popps Packing is located at 12138 St. Aubin, Hamtramck, MI 48212.
This One’s for England presents a memorable selection of live pieces by Discipline, demonstrating that it is still one of the leading progressive rock acts in the United States.