Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 9/10
It would be easy to give the phrase “There is something about them“ a gentle autumn-clean and present it as if it was the most novel expression coined about Level 42, however despite the wording being over used, it remains a factor of the subtly, the complexity and delivery of the band’s music that makes it a truth always worth pursuing and being entrusted with spreading the word about.
Level 42’s Mark King at the Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool. October 2016. Photograph by Ian D. Hall.
Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 9/10
There was always something about them that was so right, the sound that was different to the pop dominance of British music in the 1980s and 90s. It was enough to make sure that their style of performing, the hard swish of the distinctive bass and funk undertones, was guaranteed a special status in the hearts of music fans; Level 42 were always going to be a positive influence upon the ears.
Mark King in action at the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall. Photograph by Ian D. Hall
Originally published by Liverpool Live. October 17th 2012.
Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * * *
For many of their fans, Level 42 are an institution, a band whose ingenious use of funk/pop/jazz made them a household name throughout the 1980’s. They are also one of only a few bands that can tour with aplomb without having a new album in tow and also get the sort of reception from a Liverpool crowd that involves a standing ovation from the very start of the gig.
Originally published by The Birmingham Mail. October 2008.
Opening a stunning set with Fashion Fever and Forever Now, Level 42 treated a near sold out Symphony Hall to an array of outstanding music and a spectacular light show that showed off perfectly the songs’ emotions.
With a catalogue of music going back to 1981, there was something for everybody in the set list which included the wonderful but unfortunately rarely heard Romance and the classic number Leaving Me Now.
The biggest cheer of the night however was reserved for the hit single Something About You from the 1985 album World Machine.
Level 42 in concert. Photograph by Ian D. Hall
Originally published by L.S. Media. October 8th 2010.
For thirty years now Level 42 have been thrilling their fans and delivering a style of music rarely heard in this country and even rarer played with the charm and sophistication that any self respecting music fan would kill to hear.
Back in the 1980’s Level 42 were amongst the top rated bands in the country, with their easy style and pleasing lyrics, they were hailed as media darlings. Mark King certainly broke the mould with his particular way of playing the bass and with Mike Lindup on keyboards and adding his own personal voice on a lot of the group’s tracks; they seemed set to be one of the country’s big musical exports.