Levellers - Southampton Guildhall

 

This evening watching the levellers it's apparent that their edge has not been dulled by the years, they remain as sharp and committed as ever they've been. Some 40 years in the music industry have not swayed their ethics, their stance, nor the grind of modernity diminished their energy. In 40 years they've amassed a  library of notable albums packed with consistently solid tracks, each relevant to its' time. They’re a band that clearly care about their music, consummate performers never failing to deliver the audience a memorable evening of well honed artistry.  Tonight they kept that commitment to excellence with a stunning performance. It’s been 30 years since the release of Zeitgeist, an album containing some of their best loved tracks, tonights' set incorporated the entire album, plus a smattering a fan favourites from across the bands' expansive repertoire. A wonderful evening was had by all; the band appeared to be having fun, the audience certainly were. Great show, great sound, a great evening all round. 

Carry me

And together in this mad land
Far from the truest of hands
Well I'll carry you
If you'll carry me
Carry me
Carry me friend
Oh carry me 

The Levellers, Carry me, 1990

The Levellers @ O2 Academy Bournemouth 9.12.16

I wasn't going to go this evening, I'd got myself into that weird head space I can sometimes occupy, the cutting my nose off without rhyme nor reason head space. I'd had the tickets from the day they went on sale, the Levellers are a favourite band of mine, whose music is never off my playlist and they were playing their seminal album 'Levelling the Land' in full. Still, I wasn't going to go, damn those puppies of the black dog. But then I was told to go in no uncertain terms, though with love. I'm thankful for that push. I arrived late missing the first support and half way through the second. As I queued for a drink (long queues) I somehow got to the bar before the guy who'd been in front of me, so as is only right I let in front. And, he bought me a drink. Which was nice. I then made my way towards the front and the stage. The second support finished and as I looked about a woman asked me if I was looking for my friends, I said 'no, I'm on my own' to which she gave me a hug and suggested I join her and her group. Two acts of kindness one after another, I felt uplifted and even more grateful for that push to attend.

Then the main event. The band showed a short pre show film, a montage of news clips from the 80's to now, political, social, cultural, interspersed with adverts of the periods. The Levellers have remained true to their original values throughout their career, which is laudable.  If you know the album then you know the track listing, if you don't know the album you should, Levelling the Land. From the get go the crowd seethed, a sea of smiling faces, arms in the air, choruses joined in with on mass, the atmosphere was electric, the energy was fantastic, love flowed through the audience, it was brilliant.  Every track delivered with a passion undiminished, masterfully tweaked slightly here and there, but still to perfection; the band understands how cherished these songs are by the crowd. They didn't disappoint, each musician producing a faultless performance. An album, no matter how magnificent, doesn't last long and soon enough the final notes of 'Battle of the Beanfield' merged with fevered cheering. That was Levelling the land. Fucking marvellous!  All I'd hoped for, now even happier I'd been cajoled into coming.  Of course there was more though. Now a parade of favourites, 'This Garden', 'Carry Me' and 'Men a Tol' to name a few. All were delivered with the same level of gusto.  The first encore saw 'Julie' and of course 'Beautiful Day' had to have an outing. For the final encore some of Ferocious Dog joined the band for a rousing rendition of 'What you Know'.  What a fantastic gig, enjoyed with lovely people, memorable. Nights don't come much better.

The Levellers - A curious life

Like many, the Levellers first came to my attention in the early 1990's, I think I'd heard some of the songs off their first album 'A weapon called the word', although 'Levelling the land' was the first album that I got hold of. The music, the sound, the words and what they had to say really resonated with me, and I've loved their music ever since. Bands come and go, though some stay with you to become part of your lifes soundtrack, so it is with the Levellers. I've seen them countless times over the years; in electric form, acoustic form and cut down form as Drunk in public and I've never been disappointed, and have never heard an album which I didn't like, nor one that has diverged from from what I thought were their beliefs and core values.  In short, I've always believed, and defended to those who've been critical of the Levellers, my position that the Levellers are the genuine article and have never sold out.

After watching A Curious Life, the story of the Levellers, I know my beliefs were justified and were again affirmed. Narrated mainly by Jeremy, the Levellers bass player and resident artist, the film journeys through the life of the band; from their humble beginnings in Brighton band scene, through their free festival and uni circuit period to stadium band status and on to their current position of festival organizing music legends. Too gushy fan boy? I think not, the Levellers deserve any praise they receive. Through years when bands articulating opposition to the shit that's going down have never been more needed, yet have been so thin on the ground, the Leveller have consistently remained a beacon and an inspiration; they continue the tradition of music which has something to say, protest music if you will  Rare in todays homogenized and bland music world. Every Levellers song has meaning; all delivered in their unique folk/punk/rock/protest? style.  The film looks at their ups and downs; their uncomfortable relationship with the music press who gave them such a hard time, their rise to legend status, and all in their own words (not that they'd say they were legends, they're far to humble for that); it's honest and genuine, some pieces had me laughing out loud; it's a film which leaves you feeling this is a band which is comfortable in it's own skin. This is a proper band.

If you're a Leveller fan, watch this film, you'll love; if you're not a Leveller fan, watch this film and see what you're missing; and the extras, man, the extras...generous to a fault; in short.....watch this film.