After fifteen years X2, with seven top forty albums and fourteen top 40 singles The Levellers release a stripped down collection featuring some of their most memorable cuts along with two new brand new tracks. ‘We Are The Collective’ isn’t just a greatest hits collection or a nostalgic nod to bigger and better times. No, it acts as an acoustic reminder that the world and social problems highlighted thirty years ago are now more than ever kicking at our own suburban front door. Opener ‘Exodus’ gently climbs into your skull, sets up camp and beckons you to sing around the fire. Its power has been transferred rather than diluted by the subtle swing in tempo and style.
The chanting clarion call of ’Liberty’ strolls nonchalantly along the acoustic highway with Chadwick’s vocals perfectly entwined with guitar and fiddle. Both ‘England My Home’ and ‘Subvert’ hold tightly to the original backbones while seamlessly transcending into the album’s rhythm. Hit single ‘Hope Street’ remains an anthem of pull the ladder up warning for this and the next generation of its prospective tenants. ‘Elation’ and ‘Dance Before The Storm’ lose a little album momentum before a duo of new tracks reinvigorate.’The Shame’ deals with the plight of Syrian refugees and as always The Levellers pull no lyrical punches on this desperate subject. The second newbie is a meandering ‘Drug Bust McGhee’ which lifts the band’s unsurprising thoughts on the undercover police. Finally the best-known song ‘One Way’ is pushed and pulled out of shape as the band wrestled with the songs new naked direction. The Levellers are (and whether they like it or not) turning into an alternative national treasure. Answer to no-one, stay clear of corporate cow tailing and listen to The Levellers.
*Tragically Charlie Heathers son Alfie sadly passed away at the time of this review going online. The subsequent album release and acoustic tours have both been postponed. For further updates please check the band’s official website www.levellers.co.uk
Everyone at Originalrock.net sends their heartfelt condolences to the Heather and Levellers family.*
THE LEVELLERS
WE THE COLLECTIVE
On The Fiddle Recordings
8/10