Matthew Parmenter - Astray (2004) - 01 - Now

Matthew Parmenter has released his second solo recording, Horror Express (2008). A varied dreamscape full of shocks and surprises, Horror Express is a collection of musical nightmares masquerading as a horror film. This is the follow-up to his first CD astray (2004). Both solo CDs are available on the Strung Out Records label. The solo releases have the feel of a full rock band. On Horror Express, Parmenter sings and plays all the instruments including piano, guitar, bass, drums, saxophone, violin, cello, recorder, organ, synthesizers, marimba, theremin, and mellotron sounds. On the previous release, astray, bassist Mathew Kennedy (of Discipline.) appears throughout the CD, the sole guest musician. Needless to say, these are personal recordings, as Parmenter also engineers, mixes, and produces the pieces. By contrast, when Parmenter performs on stage, the instrumentation is sparse. He appears alone with only an acoustic guitar or piano. Notable solo performances include the Gouveia Art Rock festival in Portugal, NEARfest (North East Art Rock Festival) in Pennsylvania, ProgDay in North Carolina, and the Orion Progressive Rock Showcase in Maryland. Parmenter''s performance at NEARfest is captured on the DVD NEARfest 2005: Rising to the Surface available from NEARfest records. Parmenter has performed and recorded with Discipline. since their inception in 1987. It was here that Parmenter established his stage persona, the Magic Acid Mime, an ironic costume-clad white face that won''t be quieted. In addition to his work with Discipline., Parmenter has performed in support of other artists. Parmenter sings and plays violin on Phideaux Xavier''s Doomsday Afternoon CD. He provides descant violin, organ, and mellotron keys for the U.S. band Tiles on their CDs Fly Paper, Presents of Mind, and Window Dressing, and he has performed live with Tiles as guest musician. Parmenter plays on Brad Styes'' Acuity CD, Skyward. He also provided backing vocals for Mary Stuart (of Oriental Spas) on her solo album, Scribble. As Discipline.''s singer-keyboardist, Parmenter toured Norway with the band and performed shows throughout North America, sharing bills with new and established artists such as Ozric Tentacles (UK), Steve Howe of Yes (UK), Anekdoten (Sweden), Present (Belgium), and Echolyn (USA). Discipline. performed five consecutive years at North Carolina''s ProgDay progressive rock festival and Parmenter performed there as a solo act. Parmenter performed with the reunited Discipline. in 2008 at NEARfest X (North East Art Rock Festival) in Pennsylvania.