Reviewed by:
slann101, on september 06, 2008
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Sound: Expectations were high, as folk punk legends the Levellers take to the stage. Annoyed by the bands late entry the fans we're agitated, but I can only say that this added to the excitement and energy when they broke into their first track 'England my home'. As usually, Mark Chadwick's voice was on par with the records, although it sounded like he lacked enthusiasm and was just going through the motions. Unfortunately I can't tell you any instruments of the brands, as I was too busy enjoying the show to take note. One instrument I did notice was the guitarist using a 10 string mandolin. Also, on The Boatman Charlie came down from the drum kit with the Large Tom strapped to himself like a marching band member.
The quality of the sound was good. Personally, I would have liked it a little louder, but all the instruments where clear and there was no distortion. Given the venue (A big tent with holes in the roof in a field) and the weather (Windy and extremely wet) I think the soundman did well to keep the quality that high. // 7
Perfomance: We loved them. By we, I mean the audience. The slam dancing pit opened on the first song, but unfortunately it degenerated into a fight between two blokes and it never really recovered. It was clear that the majority of people where their to see the levellers as mass sing-along’s were the order of the day on both new and old material.
England my home - traditional into song. Got people bouncing.
One way - really got people singing, with the iconic 'There’s only one way of life, and that’s your own, your own, your own' intro.
15 Years - I didn't expect this on the set list, but it was performed well enough.
The Road - a classic drinking song. It received some of the most active jumping of the gig.
The Cholera Well - a new track. I can't comment on it as I had left the tent to grab some drinks.
What A Beautiful Day - crowd pleaser.
Burn America Burn - the newest single (at that point) from the new album. I was disappointed more people didn't know it, but it was good to see the band so passionate about new material.
Carry Me - standard. Just... Nothing special.
Liberty - when Mark screamed 'liberty' down the microphone, the majority of the audience started bouncing. It was good, but I was left wanting a few more tracks.
Encore: Sell Out - a very strong encore.
Like I mentioned before, it was quite cool when the drummer started playing the drums like a marching band. There lighting and stage was nothing special. The most entertaining aspect was Jeremy, the bass player. With his long dreadlocks, shot out glare and endless energy he provided most of the visual entertainment. // 8
Impression: The gig was in a field in Stokes bay, just outside of Gosport, England between the 31st July and 3rd August. They were headlining the Stokes Bay folk festival. The Alabama 3 were on before the levellers, and they were one of the worst bands I saw that weekend. Extremely poor, Americanised cabaret, Luckily, earlier in the day they had 3 Daft Monkeys and Phil Jupitus & The Blockheads which were extremely entertaining.
I feel biased when I say that I thought that Jeremy was the best aspect of the show purely because it was HIM that inspired me to learn bass. His whole energy, appearance, playing style and showmanship was amazing. I was disappointed that they came on late as the set time for the Live music to finish was fairly early. As well as that, I was disappointed they didn’t play Battle of the Bean field as it suited the venue so well. Mind you, can't have everything. The ticket was £30 for the whole day including entrance to the stall area. It was definitely worth the money just to see The Blockheads, The Levellers and 3 Daft Monkeys. Unforgettable moments... I must say it was probably slam dancing with the other fans. The whole place had a great atmosphere, as well as a family feel. Coming back was amazing, as everybody forgot their ego's and fear of rejection and just chatted. I’m not going to their next tour in December, purely because I only saw them in august. However, next year I will definitely make the effort to see them again. // 9
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