The Neal Morse Band - The Great Adventure (Radiant Records/Metal Blade)

Neal Morse (and the band) achieved something truly remarkable with Similitude of a Dream which was released back in 2016.  It was this writer’s choice for a progressive album of the year.  Now two years later, the group delivers a sequel in form of The Great Adventure.

At the moment of this writing I’m still trying to get to the matter of this record, but the excitement is there, and as soon as it’s over I want to press play again.  The same feeling immediately connects both albums, and the search continues.

The Great Adventure is a perfect title even from the musical standpoint; it does feel like it.  Lyrically of course there is a strong story behind that is conceptually worked out and well connected.  The message is very positive and reflecting Morse’s core beliefs. 

The outstanding musicianship guides this record, and allows the players to move in any direction at ease.  There are some great classic influences that come into play; deeply rooted in the 70’s and 80s classic prog or even rock.  But it’s the quality of the songwriting that shines here, as do the individual players.  Also, each member is singing on the album, and the combination of voices really opens up a lot of new possibilities.  Even though it’s Neal Morse’s name on the marquee, it really feels like a band.  And that’s something that is even more visible when seeing the group play live.

The Great Adventure is once again stretched onto two discs, and it’s nearly 100 minutes of music, but it doesn't feel like that at all.  It moves very quickly, and the themes are very melodic and memorable.  Every track here has its own place and function.  There are different vibes and the mood changes throughout the album making it a very exciting listen. 

The more you listen, the more you discover.  It’s a record certainly dedicated to a listener who likes to be challenged.  But the perfection is very obvious.  The Great Adventure is a sequel of epic proportions!

                                                                                                                                                                Mark Kadzielawa

Racing The Sun - Smokehouse (self-release)

Every now and then you find out your friends are not just music fans you see at the shows, but also musicians with a band.  Such is the case with Racing The Sun that includes not one but two guys I talk to and keep running into on regular basis.  And now I get to hear their music, and attempt to describe it for the world to to take notice.

Racing The Sun is a rock band with some unusual influences that fall outside of the typical box.  And that of course makes the music very interesting.  Their version of classic rock has some very cool traces of new wave.  The two bands that come to mind are Echo & The Bunnymen, and The Smiths.  And that is only in the instrumental sense, by no means Racing The Sun resembles either one of these groups vocally.  There is a traditional school of Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin, Free, and Cream that is still the guiding light for this band.  

Smokehouse is the newest EP from the band.  The five tracks were written and recorded with a movie in mind, but they can certainly stand on their own as just another chapter.  According to the band members it is the strongest effort from the group.  The music has a good feel, and the songs just drive you forward.  Singer, Bill Carlson, is a very capable vocalist with a great sense of melody in his voice.  Guitarist, Don Berg, has a very interesting approach to his playing.  And it’s his guitar sound and licks that really add a lot of color to this band.  The rhythm section is very solid.  Drummer, Sargon Beblis, and the newly acquired bassist, Randy Kertz create a very powerful background for Berg and Carlson to shine.  

Tracks like Smokehouse or Till It Hertz are very catchy and instantly memorable, as are the other three songs upon further listening.  Specifically, Smokehouse, with its piercing bluesy harmonica really sets the tone as to what this group is all about.  While Racing The Sun will not revolutionize the rock music, what they do is very convincing, and stylish.  You can feel the passion in their songs.  And that’s the selling point for this writer.  This EP is very enjoyable, but what’s more appealing is the potential this group is displaying.

Mark Kadzielawa

Macabre - Reggies, Chicago, IL 12/22/18 (words and images by Mark Kadzielawa)

Holiday of Horror is a yearly show that takes place around the Christmas time.  This happened to be its 21st edition, and it turned out to be a completely sold out show.  The show is based around the annual Macabre concerts, and a long list of  changing local acts.  It's a great place to be seen, or simply to re-launch your career again.

Over the years, Holiday of Horror, had become something more than just an annual concert by Macabre.  It's a place where friends meet, socialize, and are happy to see each other.  And it's mostly friends you don't see for a while, so it's great to catch up, have fun, and enjoy a great show!

Macabre always puts on a great show.  They are one of a kind.  There isn't anything like Macabre anywhere else in the world, but then gain there really isn't anything like Chicago and its scene anywhere else in the world!  The band took the stage by storm and delivered its dose of murder metal in many acts.  The trio was fun and enigmatic to watch.  They were enjoying themselves and so was the audience.  A truly a feat of friends on both sides.

The band was extremely tight.  All three members of Macabre are extremely proficient in their instruments, and it's a pure joy to watch them perform with such attention to detail at an enormous speed.  For most of the time, Macabre gets a lot of recognition for its grim image, but they are fabulous virtuosos at their craft.  The show was also enhanced by a lot of appearances by the very characters they sing about to add to the overall mystique.

Macabre managed to use burlesque to display their grotesque, but once again, they left everyone speechless.  This was an amazing evening, and after 21 years of Holiday of Horror shows this is now a Chicago metal tradition.  Big thanks to the members of Macabre, supporting bands, and to Rodney Pawlak (Macabre's animated manager) for finding the will, persevering, and going on with the show!  And of course to all the people who decide to show up years after year to make this such a great and anticipated event.  Thumbs up to you all!!!

And if that wasn't enough, the after show included a special performance from Dave Hornyak and his Motorhead tribute band, and they smoked too!!!  Things simply couldn't get any better!!!


PHOTO GALLERY:

Greta Van Fleet - Aragon Ballroom, Chicago, IL 12/14/18 (words and images by Mark Kadzielawa)

Great Van Fleet is a very exciting new band with a great feel for classic rock sound.  Yes, many compare this young band to Led Zeppelin, but at the end of the day it all comes down to music and the songs.  Greta Van Fleet has great songs, and the public is clearly responding to that.  Before you decide to slap a label, listen with clear mind, and then form your own opinion.  This happened to be one of the three nights the band sold out at the Aragon Ballroom.  They must be doing something right in order to do that, and they certainly are.

The band took the stage with a fury opening with Brave New World off the newly released Anthem of The Peaceful Army.  And it just got progressively better with each track.  Vocalist, Joshua Kiszka, felt like he's spent a lifetime on stage.  He was nailing every note at ease, and looked like he really enjoyed himself.  As was the rest of the band.  Great Van Fleet was truly having great time.  They looked hungry, excited, and simply went for it.  The band took chances with every track, improvising, and having fun with the music.

Guitarist, Jacob Kiszka, approached his instrument as if it was part of him.  He meant business from the moment he stepped on the stage.  Jacob is certainly a very intense player, and he knows how to channel electricity on stage.  The rhythm section, Samuel Kiszka and Daniel Wagner provided a solid backdrop for Jacob and Joshua to shine.  And they deserve as much credit.

As a whole band, Greta Van Fleet showed incredible amount of spirit and excitement of stage.  There was a lot of joy among the players, and it spilled onto the audience.  It was great to see a band so much into what they are doing.  It's been a while since I was excited about any new music lately, but Greta Van Fleet may just be the band that will take classic rock into the new century.

PHOTO GALLERY: