UNFOLDED LIKE STAIRCASE

Discipline plays an effective mix of symphonic (Yes, Genesis) and eclectic prog (Graaf, Crimson). Their debut album was good, but it is obvious that when they recorded this Staircase, the band was more inspired.

The opening number Canto V is as tortured as it can be (I have to say that Mathew on the vocals is quite good) and the sax is definitely heading towards VDGG. As its glorious predecessor, there will be quieter and more melodic passages; but there is the great addition of a fantastic guitar solo: full of passion and emotion. It ends as a very bombastic manner: an explosion of keys and crying guitar. This is an excellent start.

The shorter song of this album is Crutches. It clocks at over thirteen minutes.This song is leading us more in the Crimson / Graaf territories. The music is less accessible. But once you have been listening to this track a few times, the magic operates and you get hooked at these hectic and passionate vocals, which are again a highlight on this track. The finale, as during the opener, is again on the symphonic mood.

When I reached the third song (and epic), I have to admit that the band is maybe too close from these sounds we all love. A bit like the very good Araknamés this band is stuck with their models although the addition of some enjoyable mellotron breaks this feeling somehow. With Into The Dream, Discipline fully switched to ITCOTCK, which is fine with me. The closing part is a jewel of symphony (for the third time).

The closing track (Before The Storm) has this cold beauty of some solo work from Peter (Hammill). It is delicate, subtle and poignant. It still will evolve towards a fully Graaf inspired song after some four minutes and it turns into a very dark atmosphere (you know like .). The loop has been looped I guess. For the fourth time in a row, Discipline will provide a brilliant closing part to this song.

Since I have to refer so much to some great old bands, you might understand that this album is not very original per se, but it combines lots of great elements of the heydays of prog music. Each fan that is willing to remind this period should be highly interested in such a recording. As I am.

I couldn't find a weak track, not even a weak part during this album. Four stars is the rate.