Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 9/10
Justin Levinson is a name that arguably won’t be familiar to the music lovers of the U.K., and that as is stands, is okay, for the nature of the islands is often insular, only embracing long after the introductions and with a wariness that comes from shaking hands too often with that which eventually fades away. Only the hardiest of listeners push the virtue of that which could inspire, and when the message finally hits home, what is created is a lens of enjoyment, a full stare down the musical barrel and one that is a true creation by one who himself was inspired by the likes of the legendary Lester Bowie and Fontella Bass.
Collamer Circle is the astonishing and delightful full-on release from the Vermont native, an album that use of brass is focused and desirable, the mix of instruments is melded together as if by a charm and as the moments pass by, the listener is left in no doubt of the attention to detail that has been worked into every groove, every beat of the heart that the musician gives up, surrenders to the belief that floods the soul in earnest.
Across tracks such as the opening salvo of Madeline For The Win, California Sun, and Lead Me To You, and the later brilliance that comes with the awesome Mirabelle, Tin Foil Hat Parade, No One Can Be Your Everything, Burn Your Whole World To The Ground, and Tuning Out And Plugging In, Justin Levinson’s appeal is remarkable, the songs float with intrigue and the understanding of the cohesion between instruments and vocal intention with honour.
It is to that honour that the music forms and is released, it is to that memory of introduction at such a young age to legends that the vibrancy of the album is a statement, and after several albums that have caught the eye across the Atlantic, so surely it is time for the U.K. audience to roundly appreciate the depth of passion that is framed in Collamer Circle.
A truly terrific recording, full on and pulse driven, one of the surprises, but absolutely welcome, additions to the year; Justin Levinson creates magic.
Justin Levinson releases Collamer Circle on Sept 7th.
Ian D. Hall