Ryan Parmenter - 2018 - One of a Different Color

(59:11; Split Difference Records)

Track list:
1. Please Don't Hurt Us 3:06
2. Sin of Forgiveness 5:04
3. Seller 3:50
4. Give 'n' Take 4:06
5. Capitalism 8:24
6. Side Two Load Screen 2:02
7. One of a Different Color 9:54
8. For All Tomorrows 5:51
9. September 9:26
10. Up Above 7:28

Line-up:
Ryan Parmenter - vocals, keyboards
with:
David Dawkins-  guitars
Matthew Parmenter - violin


Prolusion.
US artist Ryan Parmenter used to be a member of the band Eyestrings back in the day, and while that band has been long disbanded, I suspect that this is where the majority of progressive rock fans will head when they desire to place Ryan Parmenter inside of a context. The fact of the matter is that he has been more productive as a solo artist. As of 2023 he has four solo albums to his name, the first of which appeared back in 1995. "One of a Different Color" is his fourth and most recent solo production, and was released through the Split Difference label back at the start of 2018.

Analysis.
Ryan Parmenter is best known for exploring the more accessible varieties of progressive rock, and while this is something he continues with also on this production, this isn't an album that is a purebred example of that. Many of the songs, especially for the first half of this production, comes across as quirky, off kilter and at times even with borderline avant sensibilities, or at least with some unusual properties. Among the more distinct that can be mentioned are 'Seller' and its blend of borderline Nine Inch Nails inspired sections with passages that draw in impulses with similarities to the piano men of the pop/rock universe. On a very different but also similar note is the following 'Give 'n' Take', a song that strikes me as what might have been the end result if Kurt Cobain cooperated with Gentle Giant back in 1975 or thereabouts. That the song 'Capitalism', with its critical description of this economic system, comes across as a song that takes many cues from the communist era national anthems from Eastern Europe, while also odd and a tad unusual, is a feature I feel has been planned in minute detail and for a planed effect. It is still an experience that is a bit on the off kilter side of matters, also inside of a progressive rock context of course.

The brief and minimalist 'Side Two Load Screen' acts as an efficient divider between the odd and unusual and the more open and accessible side of this album. Following this song we get romantic ballads, one song that draw in a few central elements from classic era Genesis to play around with, with one of the aforementioned ballads also making use of traits fans of Genesis will find familiar sounding but also with a distinctly English sound that for me also comes with associations in the direction of classic era Queen. That this album concludes with a semi-instrumental creation that hones in on a more accessible symphonic progressive rock orientation is an interesting choice too of course, especially as in this case we are treated to a more orchestral-oriented arrangement rather than a more classic symphonic progressive rock style of arrangement.  

Conclusion.
This most recent of Ryan Parmenter's solo albums is a distinctly two-sided affair. The first half of the album play around with odd and unusual compositions that are more experimental and off kilter in form, mood and orientation, while the second half revolve around more compelling and less demanding material of the kind that will be closer to the hearts of progressive rock fans who tend to enjoy the more accessible aspects of the progressive rock universe. Those who tend to enjoy both of these somewhat contrasting approaches to the progressive rock universe will obviously be a key audience for this album, and those who tend to be intrigued by albums assembled in a bit more of an unconventional manner might also find this to be an interesting production to become familiar with.

Olav "Progmessor" Björnsen, December 2023

Links:
https://ryanparmenter.bandcamp.com/