Review: The Levellers at Bristol O2 Academy

If one evening could sum up just how healthy Bristol’s live music scene is, this evening would be it. There was stiff competition with James playing Colston Hall, She Keeps Bees playing The Lantern, Mercury Prize nominee Kate Tempest playing Fleece (read our preview here) among others, but that didn’t stop The Levellers selling out Bristol O2 Academy.

But it wasn’t just about the indie-folk veterans and their mammoth back catalogue of belters, no, here was a triple hander of brilliant live music which started with a beautiful set from local lady Laura Kidd as her moniker She Makes War. Armed with a cache of instruments and loop pedals she showcased her poignant gloom pop, ending with a spellbinding and sexy wall of sound in the shape of ‘Scared to Capsize’.

In what must be the quickest changeover ever at the Academy, The Selecter bounded on stage just 5 minutes after Laura left. The nine-piece packed a punch from the off with their 2 tone ska beats and socially-conscious songs – including Too Much Pressure, Three Minute Hero and London’s Burning.

Pauline Black and co. are the ideal festival band, layers of energy build and build until you cannot help but dance. Each member of the outfit has a unique vibe, from the ape-like keyboard playing of Greg Coulson to the magnetic moves thrown by singer Arthur and the stylish side stepping of Orlando LaRose on horns and this blends together to create a force to be reckoned with.

There was a huge buzz in the air for the arrival of The Levellers and acted as a catalyst to this vibe, by busting the hits out from the start – as singer Mark Chadwick yelled What A Beautiful Day, two party cannons went off blasting ticker tape across the crowd. They kept the singalong momentum going with 15 Years and Belarus, which was hit by some shaky vocals at the start but was pitch perfect by the end.

‘We’ve been looking forward to this all day,’ said Chadwick. ‘This is f**cking big, man!’ He wasn’t wrong. Inviting Pauling Black back on stage for a song, followed by The Selector wind section and eventually Laura Kidd to add a female touch to the belting This Garden. This didn’t feel like a gig, it felt like a party – with the whole place going mad for Sell Out. ‘So many songs and so little time,’ Mark mused. But we’re certainly not left feeling disappointed by a lack of hits.

Solidarity played a big part in this gig, with Levellers fans old and young (some remarkably young) joining forces to chant back some of the politically poignant lyrics; the lyrics of Julie, Hope Street and their biggest hit One Way. If these songs were played on X Factor, they’d be the kind which would make everyone cry – here, they invigorate and empower the crowd.

Carry Me proved to be the showstopper here, with the music falling silent for the key part when the crowd takes on the singing mantle. The catchy newer number, Cholera Well paved the way beautifully for Liberty Song, which benefit from a second round of party canons. An explosive show from start to finish. Hats off to the Academy team for an impeccable light show too.

Read our interview with The Levellers here