Striker - The Forge, Joliet, Illinois 9/18/25 (visual review - all images by Mark Kadzielawa)

 

Necrot - Reggie's, Chicago, Illinois 9/17/25 (visual review- all images by Mark Kadzielawa)

 

 

Anthony Phillips – Radio Clyde (Esoteric Recordings)

 

It is very rare to hear a live recording from Anthony Phillips. This release, however, manages to capture Phillips live in the studio back in 1978. Phillips developed a terrible stage fear, which eventually led to his departure from Genesis in 1970.

Over the years he developed his musical talents and released a very impressive number of records with a variety of themes. In many ways, this concert highlights many of them. It’s a combination of acoustic tracks, some instrumental and some with vocals. Phillips takes the time to introduce every single track with great detail and creates a healthy interest from the listeners. Originally, this was only a radio broadcast, but once the tape with this recording was found, it received an official release. Now expanded by two bonus tracks from a similar session for your enjoyment.

“Radio Clyde” provides a slightly different angle in Phillips’ extensive catalogue. It does have its own charm, and Phillips sounds like he is having fun playing and introducing his music. There are many great passages in his guitar playing. One can only wonder what Genesis would have become had he stayed. On the other hand, his departure allowed him to be creative in other ways, so either way it’s a win for the fans. “Radio Clyde” does not feel like a regular live record; it has a different vibe. It is definitely a unique recording.

Mark Kadzielawa

Kix – Kool Atomic Kix 1981-2014 (HNE Recordings Ltd.)

 

Kix definitely was one of the hardest-working American hard rock/heavy metal bands. It took a long time to make it, and even once they did, their time in the spotlight was cut short by grunge. What we have here are the recordings that represent a lifetime of struggle and determination.

“Kool Atomic Kix 1981-2014” is an eight-disc affair that pretty much captures their entire career. With the exception of the “$how Bu$ine$$” album from 1995, it’s all here. The self-titled album from 1981 and “Cool Kids” from 1983 are probably the hardest ones to locate these days. Cool records that show how Kix cut their teeth and worked their way to be proficient at what they do. “Midnight Dynamite” from 1985 definitely put Kix on the national map. Their single, “Cold Shower,” was gaining momentum and showed the band developing an identity and style. “Blow My Fuse” was a big breakthrough for the band. MTV was playing their singles in heavy rotation, the tracks were great, and the band was visible on tours. This is perhaps the moment in which Kix was absolutely hot! “Hot Wire,” which was released in 1991, never matched the intensity of “Blow My Fuse” but still performed respectfully for the band. You could see the band wasn’t quite ready for this album, but such were record label demands when you became successful. “Live” came out in 1993 in the midst of the grunge revolution, and it felt more like a release to satisfy a record contract. The band was still great live, and it shows, but this was their last major release for Atlantic. The final album in this set is “Rock Your Face Off” from 2014. Great record, showing Kix at their best, and sadly it turned out to be their final studio release. Kix disbanded in 2023, and there are no chances of them coming back. There is one more disc with demos, and it’s interesting to hear how some of those tracks evolved. There are plenty of bonus tracks on the majority of the discs featured here. A treasure trove indeed!

The set is rounded out by a very informative booklet with a very insightful interview with band members. Any way you look at it, this is a great box, and Kix was a great band! While the luck wasn’t always on their side, they always delivered great music, and for that they should always be respected. Listening back to these records, this writer is flooded with memories of events that occurred while Kix songs were being played. It gets personal at times, and there is nothing wrong with that. Thank you, Kix! You guys did great, and this set is a must in order to understand the 1980s craziness!

Mark Kadzielawa

Nad Sylvan – Monumentata (Inside Out)

 Nad Sylvan came to be known as the leading voice for Steve Hackett’s Genesis tribute shows. His classic Genesis sensitivities are quite natural, and he does a splendid job with that material. Sylvan is quite an accomplished artist in his own right, and this new album is certainly proof of that. “Monumentata” is a great album that digs deep into Sylvan’s own life story and his rather difficult relations with his now-deceased parents.

Sylvan is truly a musical chameleon, and his different shades certainly make things interesting. “Monumentata” is an album about personal pain and in some ways may work as therapy for its creator. Not only that, though, the subject matter of parental divorce, neglect, and inability to effectively mend fences for years to come is something many have struggled with. Even this writer finds certain parts of this story quite autobiographical. It’s difficult not to sympathize with Sylvan through these songs.

On the cover, there is Sylvan’s face shown through a tennis racket, and once you understand the record, you see Sylvan through the bars of a mental prison. At least, that’s how this writer feels about it. Why a tennis racket? Sylvan’s parents were accomplished tennis parents, and that’s how they met. Some images you just can’t escape.

Musically, the album has a definite feel of melancholy and sadness but also willingness to make things right. There are many great instrumental passages that support a very serious subject matter. Moments of absolute beauty such as “Flowerland” or “Monumentata.” There are a lot of layers to this album, just as there are a lot of layers to Nad Sylvan’s life. All of it combined makes ‘Monumentata” an absolute triumph!

Mark Kadzielawa

After the Fire – Bright Lights (Cherry Red)

 

After the Fire was a British rock band that managed to start out as a progressive group but ended up as a new wave group. The cool thing is that everything they did is extremely convincing and sincere. While listening to these albums, there is no indication of jumping ship because one style was more popular at the moment. You feel a natural progression taking place. It makes this set very sundry but extremely enjoyable, especially if you approach it with an open mind.

After the Fire existed from 1974 to 1982, and their musical essence reflects those times. You get the feel, skilled playing, and the changing spirit of music. In many ways no other group did that better than After the Fire. While the band never tasted first-rate success, there is no argument they were an amazing group with great ideas and superb execution.

What is striking about these albums is the musical diversity that jumps out of them and the proficiency with which it is carried out. One can’t help but be impressed by the natural talent of these musicians and how much they are enjoying themselves. There is a very positive vibe coming out of these records. Each one of them has its own personality. This band was able to tour with Electric Light Orchestra, Queen, and Van Halen, so there you have it.

“Bright Lights” combines everything After the Fire recorded. The 6-CD set includes the following records: “Signs of Change,” “Laser Love,” “80-F,” “Batteries Not Included,” and “AT2F.” Each album includes a plethora of bonus tracks, and if that wasn’t enough, there is a disc of early demos. Great booklet with photos and information directly from the surviving band members. This set captures the whole picture, the complete view from the hill, and more.

Mark Kadzielawa