The Parochial Pianists
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The Parochial Pianists are a Midlands-based prog-rock band. They formed in 1988 under the name Spazz-Apple [1], but soon changed to The Parochial Pianists. The original line-up featured Matthew Barnard, Michael Maitland & Freddy Fisher. The band split in 1998 but has recently reformed with a new line-up but Matthew Barnard is the only remaining original member.
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[edit] History
The Parochial Pianists were signed to Zoth Ommog Records[2] in 1988. After winning a lawsuit with a black metal band also called The Parochial Pianists (OF DEATH AND MISERY)[3] they kept their name. They released their first album, 'Tungsten Chest infection' despite the unsuccess of the EP "17 years of organ failure", a mix of classic rock and ahead-of-it's-time pop music. However, the album was poorly received and failed commercially, nowadays; only hardcore fans have a copy of this album, and laud it as being released a decade too early, and an unappreciated modern rock classic. The only song to be released off the album "I didn't steal your lawnmower" didn't even reach the top 250.
After a decade of uneasy sailing, and treading water commercially, crippled by the loss of Freddy Fisher, the band’s original line-up split. This was also due to musical difference, as Mike wished to take the band in a more glam-rock direction. Matt remained and begun a solo career as 'The Amazing Monkey Boy', where Mike formed the underground glam-metal band; Snakes & Barrels, which later influenced bands such as Snow Patrol. In mid-2006 Matt resurrected the band, with an all-new line-up, and himself being the only original member. Since their old record label, Zoth Ommog Records, was officially bankrupt The Parochial Pianists signed to a different record label: Quarterstick Records[4]. As of 2007 rumours have begun to surface that Mike will be joining them on a 'back-to-roots' reunion tour, and may stay with them in the studio to record a new album.
The album Day-View was released at the end of 2006, and has been the bands first major album, garnering them popularity and exposure.
[edit] Concept Albums
The band is noted for their love of concept albums. 'Tungsten Chest Infection' told a story of the year 200Q, set on mars where a single solitary robot fights a war of survival against an army of cloned St Bernard dogs, but is rescued by a race of hippie aliens, who show him that there is more to (artificial) life than fighting and oil[5]. Day-View has many interpretations and is said by some to be the most intricate and widely-appealing concept album written by a British band. One interpretation suggests it describes the ills of modern society and commercialism, however another suggests it could be about a time-portal allowing historical figures to climb into the future, where they instantly go insane and kill everyone they see. These are both as valid, as the tracks on the album are likely not in the correct order, due to Matt's love of confusing people.
[edit] Discography
(Singles, lives, compilations and reissues are not listed.)
[edit] Studio albums
- 1988 ‘’Tungsten Chest infection’’
- 1991 ‘’Hell if I know’’
- 1993 ‘’Synopsis of an Ape’’
- 1995 ‘’Bad Dentistry in E Minor’’
- 1998 ‘’Confessions of a Turnip’’
- 2006 ‘’Day-view’’
[edit] Notes
- ^ Interview with Matthew Barnard in Q Magazine, 2004
- ^ Zoth Ommog Tribute Site (German only)
- ^ Interview on 2CR Fm - Official Site
- ^ Official site
- ^ Review in Mojo Magazine
