Well, I guess it had to happen eventually - a Levellers single that I don’t much care for. “Before The End” is distinctly different in tone to their usual material, in that it’s less raucous and more personal than political.
After an opening smidgen of didgeridoo, “Before The End” is based on a simple organ theme backed up with the familiar punk-folk guitars pushed way to the back of the mix. The rather lifeless rhythm fits appropriately with the dolorous lyrical content, which consists of unusually ambiguous metaphorical looks at personal relationships. Perhaps it’s because I’m so used to the Levellers‘ direct songwriting style of old, but there’s not much to get my teeth into here; nor does “Before The End” have the sizzle and spark that might mark an earnest bid for the charts, despite the layered chorus and breathy female backing vocals. A damp squib all round.
The vinyl-only B-side “TV Suicides” is much more in line with what you’d expect from a Levellers release; two acoustic guitars and clear strident vocals in the classic protest song mode, decrying the dismal parade of war, lies and bad news that marches across television sets worldwide on a daily basis. Much as in the era the band first rose to prominence, we’re badly in need of artists to step forward like this and shine a light on the elephants in our collective room. Also in common with the mid-nineties, I find myself wondering if - with the best will in the world - The Levellers aren’t just preaching to the choir. I hope not.
Politics aside, though, this isn’t a single I’d go out of my way for. Both “Before The End” and “TV Suicides” are passable tunes, but I’d rather pick them up as album tracks; The Levellers have still got the fire, but it’s burning low on this release.
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Posted in Music reviews |
Tags: Before The End, folk, Levellers, political, punk
