Now

"astray" Rated 1st in Top 20 CDs of 2004
--The Pit - Radio

...strong melodies, mellotron passages, and other instrumental workouts, especially the 20-minute closer, "Modern Times."...Recommended.
15 out of 16 stars
--David Taylor, Progression Magazine

...Matthew Parmenter's Astray is rechargeable, reusable, and grows stronger with every use. This is progressive rock in its highest form. It's like a work of art that hangs on a museum wall. Patrons will see something new with each and every visit even when the details don't jump out at them right away.
--Joshua Turner, Progressive World.net

...you'll come back to this CD time and time again. More please, Matthew.
--Jem Jedrzejewski, The Hairless Heart Herald

...Quite simply, Astray is one of the best solo progressive albums I have heard in a long while, fans of Discipline won't be disappointed as it has been worth the wait.
Conclusion: 9 out of 10
--Mark Hughes, The Dutch Progressive Rock Page

...This album is a grower, each listen (about 15 for me) brings forth new elements and wonders. By the third or fouth listen, I was captured....There is a lot to absorb and many sights to see and hear within the music. Just like the old Ragu commercials, "Try It, You'll Like IT."
4 out of 5 stars
--Danbo, ProgArchives.com

...this is an excellent album by a considerable talent, although liking Discipline's music doesn't necessarily qualify you for liking Astray. However, if you feel that melancholy but powerful progressive rock is your bag, not to mention some good 'Tron, this comes heartily recommended.
4 out of 5 stars
--Andy Thompson, The Ultimate Mellotron Recordings List

"astray" makes Sal's Top 10 Prog CDs of 2004:
...Die intensive Dichte seiner Texte und die authentischen, bei mir eine Gänsehaut erzeugenden Vocals machen Astray dennoch...zu einem sehr persönlichen Highlight des Jahres.
--Sal Pichireddu, ürgsel!

"astray" makes Top 10 CDs of 2004
--The Trip - Radio

"astray" plays seventeen weeks in weekly Top 20 CDs
--Gagliarchives - Radio

iO HomePages yearlist of 2004
voted #1 by reviewer Jur Hage
voted #1 by reviewer Roberto Lambooy

"astray" in Top 10 essential releases 2004
--Prog-resiste Magazine - www.progresiste.com

Featured in Best CDs of 2004
--Eufonia - Radio
--ProgWereld.org (Markwin Meeuws and Christian Bekhuis)
--The Pit - Radio
--The Trip - Radio
--Gagliarchives - Radio

Recommended albums of 2004
--Prog-Live.com

...Extrêmement ensorcelante et envoûtante. Une pure merveille!!!
(9,5/10)
--Denis, Antithetik web zine


MATTHEW PARMENTER:

Known for his narrative songwriting and costumed performances as front man for the band Discipline., Matthew Parmenter unveils his first solo release, "astray." The 68-minute CD features all new tracks including the 21-minute song suite Modern Times.

Produced and engineered by Parmenter, "astray" is decidedly psychedelic in atmosphere. Songs unfold into dreamlike improvisations that surround the listener. Bassist Mathew Kennedy appears throughout the CD, the sole guest musician on "astray." Parmenter covers vocals and other audibles, including piano, guitar, drums, saxophone, violin, organ, synthesizers, marimba, Theremin, and Mellotron sounds.

STRUNG OUT RECORDS:

Strung Out Records released Discipline.'s studio CDs, "Push & Profit" (1993) and "Unfolded Like Staircase" (1997), as well as Matthew Parmenter's solo CD "astray" (2004). The independent label also produced the definitive visual record of the band in concert: "Discipline. Live 1995" (DVD 2005).

Discipline. web site:
http://www.strungoutrecords.com/

Discipline. on MySpace
http://www.myspace.com/discipline1

Matthew Parmenter on MySpace:
http://www.myspace.com/matthewparmenter