THIS ONE'S FOR ENGLAND

Discipline posted something about recording on their Facebook page so I have been hoping to hear about a new studio album. However, this live release was a total surprise. As soon as I heard about it I downloaded it from iTunes. I've been listening to it almost exclusively for the last week.

This is everything I want in a live album. I like live albums to be a clear soundboard recording with just enough ambient crowd noise to enhance the energy of a live performance. I want to hear the musicians comfortable with the songs; a little swagger and confidence. I want to hear the bass buzz and guitar strings growl. I like the lyrics to be even clearer and easier to make out than on the studio recording. In essence, I want the live album to truly illuminate the studio compositions, to enhance them with raw energy and charismatic spark. This album has it all.

The songs are from all three of their studio releases. It's an excellent setlist with a good song order. The musicianship is fantastic. Each band member knows his parts well. The performance is both muscular and emotional. Listening to the collection of songs I could pick out the influences of early Genesis (particularly the drama), early King Crimson, and Van Der Graaf Generator.

I was surprised to hear Parmenter's humor during the Band Intro. Very little of what he said would be humorous on paper, but his delivery had the crowd laughing at everything.

If you are a fan of any or all of Discipline's albums, this album is a must. If you were one of the people giving an excellent rating to their To Shatter All Accord album, this experience will bring you more of the same. I won't go so far as to say that this is the album to start with if you are unfamiliar with the band, but this is a good survey of the band's creative output.