j o n b

Discipline is a Michigan-based quartet, one which I had high hopes for. Unfortunately, Unfolded Like Staircase leaves me wanting more. It is a fairly good album, but could be much better. Musically, Discipline would probably be put in the neo-prog category, thought they wouldn't really fit there. The music is too dense, dark, and long to really wear that label correctly. Major influences appear to be Gabriel-era Genesis, with little dashes of other prog giants thrown in here and there. That being said, I would hardly say that Discipline sound like anybody else out there right now, and certainly are not a rip-off of what has come before. Each of the four tracks here are bonafide epics, the shortest clocking in at over 13 minutes. Normally when bands end up doing something like that each track sounds tortured and needlessly strung out. Not here, however. In fact, Unfolded goes by like the last 4 epic track album I bought, Spock's Beard's debut, The Light. The tracks are almost all dark, moody, and intense. Parmenter thanks someone in the liner notes for introducing him to the music of Van der Graff Generator and Pete Hammill, and it shows. Unfortunately, most of the music on the album tends to stay in that one mood, which makes things a little repetitive in the end. In addition, for a band that certainly has a energetic live show (at least based on their performance on the ProgDay 95 CD) the production of the album is curiously lifeless. Everything seems to sweep by at the same level, with nothing reaching out and grabbing you. Which is a shame, because there are some of the instrumental sections that could soar right off the disc with a bit more life in them. A final comment to Parmenter: ditch the sax, which thankfully graces only "Canto IV." The tone is weak and breathy, like the kid who played third part in the junior high band, and only drags things down. Stick to keys. The bottom line is that there is a lot to enjoy on this album. I probably treat it a little harshly because of all the praise it received when it was first released. It doesn't quite live up to that praise, but it is still worth the price of admission. review by Jon Byrne — undated —

b o b

I've seen this band play live three times now, and I just can't figure out what all the hoopla is about. To me, they seem like a run-of-the-mill neoprog band, but one that takes the melodramatic lyrics and vocals of neo (by far my least favorite aspect of prog) to extremes. Musically, they have occasional good parts, but their songs mostly seem simple and repetitive. I just don't get the appeal. review by Bob Eichler — undated —

s t e v e

Unfolded Like Staircase is one of the best prog albums to come out this decade (and the best album to come out in 1997). Discipline's music is very symphonic (colorful), dramatic, and majestic. While the level of complexity here never reaches the levels of other modern bands like Anglagard, and Dream Theater, it's complex enough to keep the music interesting and flowing. In fact, it's great to hear that Discipline managed to produce 60-minutes of high-quality music considering that most bands today are only capable of coming up with about 30-minutes of interesting music (sometimes even less). Anyway, if you prefer 70's prog rock but have always been curious to find a modern prog band capable of producing high-quality prog then you will be in for a treat with Unfolded Like Staircase. review by Steve Hegede — undated —

e r i c

This 5 track disc that runs 60 minutes plus has a dark ominous sound throughout. Parmenter's vocals at times cross into a James Hetfield/Ray Weston like growl, making one think he has some serious mental issues he needs to deal with. Parmenter's talents run deep; he is the bands songwriter, keyboardist, violinist, and also adds saxophone to the mix. The songs' ever changing musical themes are interesting but never break the overall flow. "Canto IV (Limbo)" has moments of alternative angst, symphonic beauty, and some metallish flourishes. "Crutches" adds acoustic guitar to the mix and during parts it sounds like a more metal Pink Floyd (The Wall-era) and also brings to mind Echolyn. Mellotron touches are added to "Into The Dream", and over the span of its 20+ minutes it stirs up everything from Genesis to Metallica. The band has the ability to mix 90's sounding alternative and metal with the progressive flair of the 70's. My only criticism was that I would agree with another review here that there is a flat feel to the production, as the dynamic range is there in the music but does not come across in the overall sound. If this CD had been produced by someone with top notch abilities, this would be scary. Still, an excellent disc, and I am looking forward to the next one by this band. review by Eric Porter — undated —

b r a n d o n

Unfolded Like Staircase is one of those albums that isn't quite neo-prog but isn't exactly particularly original either. Categorizations aside, though, it's one of the better albums of its type. The default description is "a cross between early Genesis and Van Der Graaf Generator", which gives generally the right idea. The mood is dark and tormented, especially with the distinctively Hammill-influenced (and mostly well-done) vocals of Matthew Parmenter. The compositions are pretty good and, despite their length, are no longer than necessary, except possibly the 20+ minute epic "Into the Dream". Soloing is kept to a tasteful level, and the playing is, for the most part, excellent. The only real problem is with the production, which is flat and weak. Passages which should absolutely burn are pedestrian; the guitar in particular is mixed very weakly. Nothing stands out; everything is on the same level, which makes for a pretty dull listen after a while. The washed-out sound is fine for the closing tune, which has a somewhat resigned, relaxed feel that complements the production; but the other tracks should be intense and aggressive, and the poor production compromises that. It's a shame, because I have a feeling this album could have been really great; instead, it's just pretty good. As it stands, it should appeal to most prog fans, though some may be irked by the fact that Discipline borrows liberally - sometimes very liberally - from the classic bands. review by Brandon Wu — undated —