The Levellers 4th album was released in Europe a few months ago, and now has made its way over the pond. Besides a very nice German title, which can't be translated to English, what's new about the Levellers latest offering? Not much, really.
Whether this consistency is a good or a bad thing depends on the perspective of the listener. Fans will certainly still enjoy their catchy celt-folk-rock style, and the beautiful ballads that they're used to are also here, such as "Maid Of The River". But it's hard to see how this release should change their status as an underrated band with an avid fan base that is much smaller than it could (and should) be. The sound is a bit harder than on previous releases, most notably on the single "Hope St.", but the quality of the songs doesn't quite reach the level of their break-through album Levelling The Land.
Maybe the Levellers just need time to gain more popularity, and their excellent albums and great live shows (e. g. supporting Neil Young on his European tour last year) will finally bring them to the top. But more likely, they will just remain the way they are. Which would not be a bad thing at all.
