The newest installment of KISS’ ‘Off The Soundboard’ series is one of the most special releases under the bands moniker. Capturing a short, but intensely impressive era of the band. By 1984 KISS had taken off the make up. And moved on from Ace Frehley and Peter Criss. A carousel of guitarists had moved through the band. Including Vinnie Vincent, who dug KISS out of the hole they were in. However, the band wasn’t willing to give Vincent the contract he deserved. Enter Mark St. John, a New York guitar teacher that took over and dominated the lead guitar role.
Even if it was for a short while. Literally less than a year. Mark St. John made his prescence immediately known. Playing some of the most impressive lead work to date with KISS’ new ‘Animalize’ album. The second record to be released without make-up. Rejuvenating the band and making them once again relevant. An arena tour ensued. But St. John was quickly afflicted with a rare arthritis. Debilitating his ability to shred the masses. The result? He only played two full shows with KISS. Before Bruce Kulick took over. And this is one of those shows.
An incredible insight into one of the rarest eras of KISS. Mark St. John’s style is coloured throughout the show. Putting his own spin on the Ace and Vinny solos. And it works for the most part. A short glimpse into what could have been. Plus, we get an excellent Eric Carr drum solo and all around performance. Fulfilling the fans’ cries for an 80’s ‘Off The Soundboard’ release. ‘Detroit Rock City’ kills the opening. ‘Cold Gin’ is in its most unique form. Showcasing just how March St. John made the klassics his own. ‘Creatures of the Night’ moves things right along. All the while with Paul Stanley giving his nastiest banter in KISS entire career. ‘Fits Like A Glove’ is an absolute highlight. This is KISS at their most technically proficient. And passionate. ‘Under the Gun’ has the best sound quality of the whole thing. Giving the clearest insight into just how good Mark St. John really was.
Other 80’s staples include a phat version of ‘Lick It Up,’ an unfortunate partial version of ‘Young And Wasted,’ the massive ‘War Machine’ and ‘I Love It Loud.’ While one of the OG ballads ‘I Still Love You’ rings throughout the arena. One of the centerpieces is ‘Black Diamond.’ Where we get a great listen as to how Eric Carr handled Peter Criss’ vocals. The verdict? Flawless and no notes. Making Carr the unspoken VIP of 80’s KISS.
All in all, this is the strongest soundboard recording yet. A decent sonic balance is kept throughout the recording. And despite its shortcomings, it exceeds expectations. Especially after the 1977 Des Moines release that just didn’t cut it. A phenomenal look into mid 80’s KISS and a short lived period of a great guitarist that feel by the wayside. To no fault of his own. Crank it, live it, love it. Give Mark St. John some love by jamming on KISS Off The Soundboard: Poughkeepsie NY, 11/28/1984.
