THE PAROCHIAL PIANISTS

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.

Contents

History

Concept Albums

Discography

Studio albums

Singles

EPs

Music Samples

Notes

History

Playing their first show in 1988 under the original line-up, The Parochial Pianists were almost instantly signed by What? Records to release their first EP, “Fun With The Parochial Pianists”. Although the EP was unsuccessful the label saw the band’s talent and after winning a lawsuit with a black metal band also called The Parochial Pianists (OF DEATH AND MISERY)^[2] they kept their name and stayed with What? Records. They released their first album, “Tungsten Chest Infection” after their second unsuccessful EP "17 Years of Organ Failure", a mix of classic rock and ahead-of-its-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 from the album "I Didn't Steal Your Lawnmower" didn't even reach the top 250. What? Records eventually died out and the band signed to German record label Zoth Ommog Records ^[3] where they continued to release several more EPs and four albums.
After a decade of uneasy sailing, treading water commercially, and 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 begun a solo career as 'The Amazing Monkey Boy', while 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, became officially bankrupt, The Parochial Pianists signed to Quarterstick Records^[4] yet have since finished their record deal with Quarterstick and as of yet have remained unsigned. In April 2007 it was been announced that Mike will be joining the band on a 'back-to-roots' reunion tour, and may stay with them in the studio to record a new album ^[5].
The album “Day-View” was released at the end of 2006, and has been the band’s first major album, gaining them popularity and exposure.

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^[6]. "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, while 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.

Discography

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''

Singles

★ (1988) ''I Didn’t Steal Your Lawnmower''

★ (1989) ''Your Malt Loaf Snack''

★ (1989) ''UFOs Are For Real''

★ (1991) ''Preach At Me''

★ (1992) ''Home ASAP''

★ (1992) ''A Box of Fish with Tartar Sauce''

★ (1993) ''Goldfish Don’t Bounce''

★ (1995) ''Insanity is Hereditary''

★ (1998) ''Pizza Donuts''

★ (2006) ''The Next Adventure…''

★ (2007) ''Drink Zender''

EPs

★ (1988) ''Fun With The Parochial Pianists''

★ (1988) ''17 Years of Organ Failure''

★ (1989) ''UFOs Are For Real''

★ (1992) ''Biblical Proof of UFOs''

★ (1994) ''Here, Eat This''

★ (1996) ''Ultimate Spinach''

Music Samples

Notes

1. Interview with Matthew Barnard in Q Magazine, 2004
2. Interview on 2CR Fm - Official Site
3. Zoth Ommog Records Tribute Site (German Only)
4. Official site
5. The Parochial Pianists' Blog
6. Review in Mojo Magazine
7. Pascal Mueller's Wiki