I have to admit as a music fan I will often give just about anything a chance. The one thing I am always nervous about comes to live albums. I say that as someone who did work in Radio, in the late 1980s early 1990s, I’d often hear a live version of songs. It was during this time that I began to avoid those live versions, and even avoid concerts. The reason being is one I’m sure some music fans share and that’s a fear of their favorite artist, band, or group sounding HORRIBLE when live.
It is why when I got word Midnight Syndicate had a live album I was nervous. I did receive a copy of the album from the band and promised an honest review of the album. I know that Midnight Syndicate uses a lot of instrumental music and sound effects so I thought that would transfer well to a live show. It may miss some of the slick sounds of a multi-retake studio release but I was more optimistic for this album.
I was certainly surprised and thrilled when I listened to Live Shadows. My wife even told me that she feels their music would work in some popular horror films. She felt they could “conjure” up some great feelings in the films before something happened. I hope readers get the hint on the franchise she thought of as we had just seen the latest in that franchise. I also want to point out this was her first time sitting and listening to a full Midnight Syndicate album. The fact it kept her interested showed the band did a great job putting the album together.
The fact that the tracks spanned live shows from 2014 to 2019 is an example of the pride they took in getting the album right. The one thing I wish I’d gotten more of is the audience in attendance reactions. I’d loved to have heard a few more applause after a track.
Live Shadows is one of those rare live albums that will not leave fans upset about the sound of their band. Instead, there is a good chance that the album will have wanting for further live albums releases. Midnight Syndicate has even released music videos to go along with this album. It helps to solidify that this is indeed a live album and not some remastered tracks to appear live. If anyone thought that they are sorely wrong.
No matter the track I found this to be a great listen. I firmly believe that Midnight Syndicate’s fans will feel the same way. As I mentioned before even non-fans may find this a great way to get introduced to the band. I know my wife sure found it interesting and asked to listen to a bit more of their music. This live album is a perfect starting point due to the tracks coming from several of their already released albums.
Fans will find music from “Creatures of Darkness”, “Conspiracy of Shadows”, “Haunted Nursery”, and other albums. I do not wish to give it all away as feel fans need to listen to the album. If you are new to Midnight Syndicate’s music I would call this a great gateway to what the band can do. I can only say that I hope people take time to listen to the album, and hopefully enjoy it as I did.
I’ve added a couple of videos below from the band’s Youtube page as well for you to enjoy.
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