Well folks, I just got back for the first Discipline performance in nine years. It was fantastic! These guys put on a blistering show. It was just a small place, and they were the opening act. It was actually the release party for Tiles' new album. I didn't stick around for Tiles. One hour of Discipline was more than satisfactory. At the beginning, the announcer said "Welcome to the Tiles release party," and hardly anyone clapped. I think most people were there for the opening act.
They only played four songs. "Crutches" began the show, and instantly grabbed the crowd. Matthew Parmenter introduced the next song by saying, "This is a longer song," (ha ha) and they played "Into the Dream." The third number was "Circuitry," and didn't captivate like the others, but was still very good. For the closer, it was "Canto IV (LImbo)." This one rocked the house down. We couldn't call them back for an encore, as the stage had to be reset.
The band was very tight. It's hard to belive this was their first show in almost a decade. Parmenter emotes like an opera singer. That weird mime sneer of his is awesome. After the show, I had a chance to meet him. When I asked if this meant a new album was coming, he replied, "Absolutely!" Good news everybody!
I also had the opportunity to hanging out with Scott (rushfan4). Amazingly, he got in line right behind me, so there was no problem finding him.
I must say he is a very nice guy. A fine progger, and fellow Michigander indeed. I felt bad leaving him there alone for the Tiles show, but I really had to get back home.
It was a fantastic show, and NEARfest should be even better. This is what I always imagined prog to really be about. Only four songs comprising an hour long set, and a front man that can provide theatrics, even when seated behind the keyboards the whole time. I kind of feel sorry for Tiles. No matter what they did, there was no way they could have topped Discipline. But, we'll have to see what Scott says about that one.
My pictures didn't turn out so well, but here are a few O.K. ones.