"After Midnight Live" offers a unique glimpse into the early years of Manilla Road, capturing the band’s raw, exploratory phase through a 1979 live radio broadcast. This recording taps into the relaxed, space-rock essence of their Invasion and Mark of the Beast era, a style that resonates with listeners seeking an unpolished, organic listening experience. Unlike the heavier productions that would later define their catalog, this live set feels intimate, almost like a forgotten time capsule of songs that didn't make it to a studio album.
Despite the roughness of the recording, the mix manages to showcase a surprisingly clear guitar tone, which brings a warm, nostalgic quality to the performance. Songs like "Chromaphobia" shine through, albeit with some charming imperfections, adding a realness that die-hard fans will appreciate. A particularly interesting moment comes when Mark Shelton seems to forget part of the lyrics, an unscripted lapse that makes the listening experience feel even more genuine. "Herman Hill" stands out with its lively pacing and dynamic structure, showing flashes of the band’s early skill in crafting memorable hooks even before they had fully settled into their iconic sound.
The track list also hints at themes and ideas that would later evolve on Mark of the Beast, with pieces like "Pentacle of Truth" and "Dream of Peace" offering early versions of what would become fan favorites. In between songs, exchanges between Shelton and the radio host add a cozy, off-the-cuff charm, giving the album a distinctly personal feel.
For those drawn to the atmospheric intimacy of early live recordings, "After Midnight Live" provides a rewarding look into Manilla Road’s formative years. While it may not capture the polished, epic style that would come later, this record offers an endearing experience that fans of their earliest work will find engaging and memorable.
Tracklist:
1. Chromaphobia 06:26
2. Life's So Hard 12:30
3. Pentacle of Truth 08:06
4. Dream of Peace 08:34
5. Herman Hill 07:55
Total= 43:31
