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Elly Roberts reviews
On The Fiddle Records
- Released: August 2008
- Rating: 8/10
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Straight in at 24 (w/c Aug 18), Folk-Punksters the Levellers bounce back in ultra-confident mood on their own label, On The Fiddle.
Over the past 20 years, a key feature of their repertoire is the frenetic fiddlework of John Sevink, fused with punk tendencies, traditional English musicand sloganeering rants, occasionally rolling out anthems such as One Way, 15 Yearsand What A Beautiful Day.
None of their singles have made the Top Ten. The mix is quite heady andinfectious, making them one of the UKs favourite festival bands. On stagetheyre simply mesmerising: Ive seen them twice. If you want to check theiron-stage credentials, check out the awesome Best Live: Headlights White Lines And Black Tar Rivers (1996).
Born in Brighton in 1988 by frontman Mark Chadwick and Jez Cunningham, theyvedeveloped this bohemian image to their advantage, though things havent alwaysbeen good between them and the music press. Another appealing factor is theirant-authoritarian reputation: so, nothings changed here. So far, theres beentwo download only singles A Life Less Ordinary, a Celtic fuelled romp,backed by the albums catchiest (and best) song, the thumping and raucousThe Cholera Well.
Then came the albums most commercial and slick Burn America Burn (Ican just hear it a one of their gigs already their new anthem). Sevinksfiddle must have exploded into flames. The third single, a hard copy as far asIm aware, is the more subdued (by their sizzling standards) Before The End.In fact youd never think it was them at all, as this is almost a (dare I sayit) pop song.
Elsewhere, the real adrenalin rushes stem from pulsating Eyes Wide, thestomping happy-go-lucky blast of Heart Of The Country and effervescent Accidental Anarchist. Much the same power and passion can be foundon the blood and thunder of Duty, with Sevinks bow going into overdrive.
After the deceptive and quiet start, Fight Or Flight soon takes off asthey dig deep to end their first album in three years.
File under: Back to basics. Good to see them back.
Weblink:levellers.co.uk
The full list of tracks included are :
1. The Cholera Well
2. Death Loves Youth
3. Eyes Wide
4. Before The End
5. Burn America Burn
6. Heart Of The Country
7. Behold a Pale Rider
8. A Life Less Ordinary
9. Accidental Anarchist
10. Duty
11. Fight Or Flight
Elly Roberts passed away in 2011, but he was a man who was so passionate about all types of music and loved meeting his musical heroes, such as Mick Hucknall at a book signing at the Trafford Centre, Manchester in 2007.
A former teacher and also a music journalist, DJ and radio presenter on local community station Calon FM, plus appearances on BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru and BBC Radio 2, Elly started doing reviews for DVDfever.co.uk in 2004 and he did the majority of the CD and concerts reviews on the website.
I know also that he loved getting away for the summer to Spain and I hope that wherever he is now he is enjoying the hot sunshine and, as one of his friends has said on his Facebook page, that he is interviewing his musical heroes.