Short Reviews [Discipline - 2025 - "Breadcrumbs"]

I have long thought that Discipline are one of the most vital and important progressive rock bands to hail from America, but when I started saying it 30 years ago there appeared to be few who would listen. These days band leader Matthew Parmenter is a busy man (check out his albums with Kate Hinote Trio where he provides violin), but finally we have a new album from Discipline, just their third in the 21st Century and their first in eight years. Matthew provides vocals, keyboards, violin, guitars and tambourine, while he is joined by bassist Mathew Kennedy, as he has ever since 1994's "Push & Profit". Tiles guitarist Chris Herin is still here as he was for the last album, but long-time drummer Paul Dzendzel is no longer involved, with his place taken by Henry Parmenter. Discipline have always sounded as if they came from the UK as opposed to Michigan, as there is a breadth, depth and originality which comes across more like VDGG than a melodic rock inspired progressive outfit, which means that while Mathew has the knack of producing albums which are interesting and enjoyable the first time of playing, it is only really after multiple plays that one truly starts to understand the majesty of what is taking place. Henry has joined seamlessly, perhaps unsurprisingly, while Chris seems far more settled into his role, taking the lead when he needs to, but also understanding the need to fill the gap between melodic bass and drums, allowing Matthew to spread the sound with different keyboards, violin, or his vocals. Ah yes, Matthew's vocals, he is blessed with the style of a true performer, with a lot going on as he provides emotion which invites the listener deep inside. Musically we never quite know what is going to happen next, as there may be long passages of repeated backing to allow gentle noodling, or there could be dramatic shifts, so one can never quite relax. Back in the day Matthew used to wear white face paint, reminiscent of a clown (but darker and more dramatic), taking on a persona to tell the story, and even though all I have here is the music I can still visualise Matthew acting out that role on a stage, larger than life and far more menacing. It may be a very long time between releases, but Discipline continue to demonstrate why those who know them rate them very highly indeed, and we have yet again another superb release which is a voyage of musical discovery from beginning to end. If you have yet to come across Discipline yet want proper solid progressive rock, then you need to hear this and then visit the back catalogue.