UNFOLDED LIKE STAIRCASE

In most sites that I've searched, this record does not make a good impression on listeners. And I'm here, listening it, over and over thinking: 'What do they see in this that reflects what they think?' I do not agree with most of the reviews on this record. I think Unfolded like Staircase is a troubled, desperated and intense record; but also fragile, aggressive and full of duality. They recall me of Pearl Jam/ The Cure in many ways. The tormented singing, the guitar lines. Feels familiar. And nice. Because America has a distinct sound, I think it's exciting to discover them.

The tormented singer, the rough and jolty melodies must be heard many times before complete digestion and therefore, appreciation. But when your can anticipate the melody, the songs take suddently a new face. You can concentrate less on the voice and more on the musicianship and discover the pattern of certain songs like Canto and Before the Storm part 2.

On the other hand, Matthew Parmenter is volubile at an almost extreme way. When you want to pass a message, it's preferable to restrain yourself a bit; letting it all go is sometimes jamming up the message and importants bits can be missed or simply forgotten. In this case, Parmenter should shut up more and let the music tell us what's going on. Anyway, Canto IV should please your ear immediately, if you give the MP3 a chance.

Discipline is a quite capable but non-virtuoso band. They play what they can, and it feels that they apply themselves. But they're no Echloyn or Anglagard. We are not reaching new standards here. But! they are solid at what they do without trying to 'bull' anything. The atmosphere is theatrical, just like the melodramatic attitude of Parmenter with his specific garde-robe of costumes and tragic make-up a la The Crow. Weird, but since Fish, colorful singers are rare.The music is dark, and ressembles to a walk in a park at dawn on a windy autumn day. Or gazing at winter trees on a cloudy day. Lots of reflexions on life can be heard brought on a melancolic and tragic singing.

Having never heard one song of VDGG and not even knowing what Peter Hamill sounds like, I'm really enthusiastic about this misunderstood record. I'm really surprised how low 'prog experts' thinks of this record, and I know my opinion is often more humoristic than anything else, but this album strikes hard and heavy on the dark scale. Be sure to listen over often, but it never gets boring. The feeling is gripping and could give the blues if you're fragile inside.

This is primo stuff, you have my words.

Maybe that's the key to really appreciate an album...letting the comparison out.