SILAS HITE, Return of the Vampire Hustlers from Hell (Self Release). Where the vampires went is a mystery. But wherever they went, multi-instrumentalist and composer Silas Hite brought them back all kinds of funky. This soundtrack sans movie feels like a throwback to the seventies. It slides, glides, and wah-wahs all over the place, making for a dark but fun-filled 40-minute ride. Get your bell-bottoms ready!

PETER GABRIEL, “Put the Bucket Down (Dark-Side Mix). Peter Gabriel has returned, and it seems like sooner than usually expected. Which is fine by us. His forthcoming album is called O/i, a direct follow-up to i/O. “Put the Bucket Down” is a fine example, as it seems to pick up right where the previous album left off. Soulful lead vocals, exotic percussion, mid-tempo groove … it’s all here, and it’s all Peter. If you’ve enjoyed his last album, you won’t be disappointed by this single, and no doubt what will follow.

FAILURE, “The Air’s On Fire.” As solid as it gets. Failure continues to prove why they deserve the prestige fans give them. Hard-charging yet atmospheric with a hook that grabs you and won’t let go. Powerful stuff.

U2, “The Tears of Things.” As if conjured from thin air (which it kind of was), U2 have returned with a new EP called Days of Ash. “The Tears of Things” had a nice “old school” feel to it, like it might have found a home on The Joshua Tree. (Hard to believe that album is about 40 years old!) Bono’s voice is in fine form and The Edge’s guitar rings and shimmers just like always. A most promising step into 2026.

RADIANT MOON, Now’s The Time (Deko Entertainment). This album is actually a year old, but it’s worth talking about. It’s highly ambitious prog rock in the spirit of bands like Yes, Genesis, and Soft Machine. It’s always fun to hear a band stretch out and go for it, which Radiant Moon definitely is. Powerful but not overbearing. Solid, airy vocals, tasteful guitar and keyboards, and rock solid rhythm. Quite the the pleasant journey.

WAY IT ENDS, Acts of Levitation (John Koshinski). A solid collection of grooves and beats both chill and frenetic. Deep bass does a great job of augmenting the electronic beats. The embodiment of moovin’ and groovin’!

#cirdecsongs

If you would like to have your music reviewed or have your band photographed while in Chicago, contact me at cirdecsongs@gmail.com