Live Review

Levellers – Manchester Apollo Theatre

• 18th Mar 2008

Beer, expectation and leery cheers start to fill the air, along with the inevitable question of whether or not da Levs in their 20th Anniversary year, can step it up in a vaster venue than their last visit to Manchester late 2006, over at the academy? Despite the two new songs that are available for download now, new material has been thin on the ground and greatest hits live sets, whilst being well received. They always leave the crowd wanting them to show signs of resurrecting that old creative frivolity. Immediately as the barefooted Mark Chadwick (don’t ask!) leads his growing band of erstwhile and staunch to the cause musicians into view.

A familiar feel takes hold, but it still sets the standing area into a wayward jigging routine that they must have practised several times at these gigs. A croakier lead vocal tilt takes hold of new song, ‘A Life Less Ordinary’ that gets its base from the Green Blade Rising era of this conscience tugging folk-rocking gang. Things are starting to look up and forthcoming new album ‘Letters From The Underground’, appears to be a beacon of hope for those not wanting the dream to die or continue to wane.

Impetus is lost a little with a return to the classics such as ‘Beautiful Day’. This bold and carefree anthem loses some of its old spice in the slightly tired vocal projection of Chadwick. Granted, the high notes that aren’t reached are compensated for in crowd chants, but it gives the impression that the new album won’t be able to get close to the highs of yesteryear. The lingering loft of ‘Everyday’ retains its spiky thread and the percussion of Charlie Heather gives it boldness and roasting rhythm.

Guitarist, Simon Friend steps up to take joint lead vocal duties for the poetic and earnest, dual acoustic guitar ballad ‘The Boatman’. Questions are automatically raised as to why he doesn’t take more of a vocal role? Especially given his earthy and clear style, surely it is the way forward for these evergreen rockers?

A harmonica push gives the pleading ‘Carry Me’, a stirring woe battling edge to complement its pleading nature and, for the most part, tonight’s crowd are basking in the familiarity of the songs on display. A return to their folk punk gnarl for newbie ‘The Cholera Well’, fails to add too much to the set or their future sound. During the encore some brass is shown and the number on stage swells like a black eye. This once rustic rabble shows that they now have the money to invest in frivolous yet impact lacking accessories. ‘Liberty’ is given its usual powerful guitar led kick and the vocals retain their authenticity and Chadwick sings with raw enthusiasm, if only they could capture this more often these days.

A good time has been had judging by the sweat-soaked and exhilarated gig-goers as they head out into the harsh night. However, a good time is what you get and expect when you go and see a cabaret act.