Politicians (“I did not have sexual relations with that woman”) and Wall Street traders (“Insider what?!?”) may have to declare an interest as part and parcel of their daily dealings but us simple souls who listen to music? Surely, just declaring an interest in music itself would be enough but one feels sufficiently compelled to confirm that the band name at the top of this page bears – literally – no relation to the person spouting off about them. We cool? Let’s get down to business then.
And Levy’s business is all about getting down. ‘This is a new song’ are lead singer James Levy’s first words as the opening strains of "So Hard" reverberate around the room. It’s striking stuff as existing fans of the band and curious listeners come together in a mutual love fest, with mouths slightly ajar, seemingly screaming the words ‘THIS IS THE GREATEST START TO A SHOW EVER!’ to anyone who happens to be within five blocks of the venue. Naturally, that’s slight exaggeration but when you’re lost in (Levy’s) music, you can’t be held accountable for your (re) actions.
The convenient comparison is to fall in line and describe Levy as a cross between The Smiths and Coldplay, but the reality is more like a coherent version of The Libertines. And partially hidden underneath his top hat, James kinda resembles Pete Doherty with a coy nod here and a wink there but you don’t feel an arrest is imminent. Instead, only the material could be considered arresting. "Rivka" pays homage to The Kinks’ "Waterloo Sunset" before dissolving into a fuzzy warmth of its own. "Matthew," which is introduced – presumably for the benefit of any dyslexics in the room – as ‘a song with two t’s,’ is a further example of the band’s take on life when you hear what could almost make for a template lyric in the form of ‘I’m sorry I caused you so much pain.’ There’s melancholy in them thar hills, that’s for sure, as perfectly proven by signature hits "On The Dance Floor" and "Rotten Love." Levy might be lying by introducing the album’s title track as ‘the number one single of last year,’ but that doesn’t diminish its world-weary lament one iota. Nor the fact that in an ideal world he’d be right. And by the time the aptly named "Glorious" has been and gone – and the short and sweet set along with it – you’re left to stagger into the night to reflect that this band certainly know how to love you and Levy you.
For more info see: designedmemory.com/levy
