Member:
Harmless Criminal
Date:
7/26/2008
"What is that in the dark?
Is it a monster? It is a monster
Is it me?
Is it a mirror? It is a mirror
Is it me?"
-In The Dark-
Matthew Parmenter has never been a stranger to the dark side, to his dark side. His music and most notably his lyrical output, haves always flirted with, nay embraced, the sinister side of his psyche. As a long-time fan of the man's work, I thought he'd already brought me to the inner workings of his darkest dreams, but I was wrong. Horror Express has proven just how wrong I was. On this sophomore solo release, Mr. Parmenter has shown me that Hell does have many levels; and he's in control of the elevator.
Made up of 10 tracks, half of which clock in under 4:00 minutes, Horror Express is aptly titled. It's a dark and disturbing ride into the nether regions of one's own subconscious mind. Matthew seems to have a bottomless well of darkness from which he plucks his musical ideas. Even the various instrumental pieces seem to permeate with an ominous malaise. Throughout, Matthew delivers his poignant, haunting vocals; and demonstrates his knack for clever arrangements and his multi-instrumental talents.
As a package, Horror Express is a much more solid offering than his previous solo record. Matthew channels his muse well, and she is a dark mistress. To be played loud with the lights off. Climb aboard! The Horror Express always has room for more unsuspecting passengers.
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