Sometimes, “lost” tracks are lost for a reason. One in a while, though, a gem will surface from the vaults that has the power to make fans not only sit up and listen, but actually question why such a great recording could’ve been shelved in the first place.
Such is the case with ‘Alive’, a track from the Levellers archive, released as a single as part of the pre-release promotion for a 30th anniversary reissue of the band’s much loved fourth album ‘Zeitgeit’. Huge fans will, of course, recognise ‘Alive’ as having pride of place as part of the bonus tracks on the “special edition” of the Levellers’ 2017 release ‘Notes From The Underground’, but its inclusion on a reissue of a far more celebrated release is guaranteed to introduce it to new ears.
It’s a mystery how this number became an also-ran. It’s arguably stronger than ‘P.C. Keen’, which graced the final track selection. From the outset, the arrangement showcases the darker sound of the Levellers work, sounding like a strong continuation from some of the deep cuts from 1993’s self-titled record. More evidently, the main riff introduces a deep love of Eastern sounding riffs, with a hint of Led Zeppelin’s ‘Kashmir’ at the heart of the opening melody. In true Levellers tradition, this is interspersed with some superb folk rock elements, with a jangling acoustic guitar and sweeping violin sounding unmistakably like a couple of ‘Zeitgeist’s harder edged workouts.
Perhaps most importantly here, Mark Chadwick is in superb voice. Although the chorus hook is a rather simple one, he attacks it with a genuine vigour, carrying through from a great verse that makes the best of his accessible tones. Factor in some heavy percussive elements during the latter part of the track and a busy interlude from fiddle player Jon Sevink, this has all the makings of something that would’ve floored the live audiences in the mid 90s.
Check out the new video below. More Levellers stuff from Real Gone can be found here.
More information about ‘Alive’ and the ‘Zeitgeist’ reissue can be found in the full press release which follows.
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Acclaimed British band the Levellers have released their brand new single ‘Alive’. A dramatic and vibrant track, demonstrating the rockier side of the band full of chiming guitars and eastern-influenced riffs and rhythms, reminiscent of Led Zeppelin’s ‘Kashmir’ in parts, accompanied by an upbeat lyric of positivity, it was first recorded as part of the sessions for their number one album Zeitgeist, 30 years ago, but got replaced at the last minute and has been hidden in the vaults ever since.
Jon Sevink, the band’s violinist, reveals, “Every album has a story attached to it, a road leading from start to finish. The track listing doesn’t always give the full picture. On the Zeitgeist journey, ‘Alive’ was one of the first songs to be demoed. It remained as a potential album track right through the recording process until the mixing stage when another song ‘Just The One’ appeared as a late runner and was deemed more in line musically with the rest of the album tracks. ‘Alive’ was relegated to an also-ran and languished in the vaults until its potential was realised by a judicious edit and voila, a new lease of life. It’s a banger!!”
The video for ‘Alive’ captures the band recording in their – then – newly purchased Metway studio… which the band still rehearse and record in to this day, alongside on-the-road footage in Prague three decades ago. Watch the video HERE.
In 1995 the aptly titled Zeitgeist solidified Levellers at the forefront of British music. Following their record-breaking headline performance at Glastonbury Festival the year before, Zeitgeist soared to the top of the charts with its release in August, batting off competition from Blur and The Charlatans, and becoming the sound of that summer alongside the likes of Supergrass, Oasis and Pulp.
Now for 2025, in the 30th year of Zeitgeist, the album has been gloriously remixed by Al Scott, the original producer who first sat down with Levellers at their self-sufficient Metway studio in Brighton to make the album, an iconic establishment which is still running to this day. The album will also be available with brand new Atmos mixes, giving a whole new audio experience for fans of the original recording.
Jon Sevink continues, “’Zeitgeist’ was written in 1995 in an empty industrial building in Brighton, the band’s new home. Paid for, amazingly with an album advance from indie label China records and recorded largely using second-hand equipment including an old analogue tape machine there was pressure to succeed. With ‘Levelling The Land’ producer Al Scott back at the helm, the feel might have been DIY but we, as a band, had a point to prove and confidence was high.
So here we are, 30 years later talking about the reissue of our number 1 album. The analogue tape days may be over but the memories are still there in the digital recordings and a subtly different appreciation of the material with the passing of time.
Working with Al Scott on the mixes has been a real joy. He understands that once released, the music becomes part of the consciousness of music fans and any dealings with the past need to be treated carefully and with respect. The aim is not to reinvent but enhance and having been involved with the 1995 production he has brought a clarity to the new versions without losing the feel of the originals.
The ATMOS mixes sound like the songs when we were playing them live in our own Metway Studio in Brighton, the closest you’ll get to being in the band. The space between the instruments and voices gives an amazing experience that you don’t get in stereo.”
Featuring some of the band’s biggest hits in ‘Hope St’ and ‘Fantasy’, along with fan favourites ‘The Fear’, ‘Exodus’ and ‘Men-An-Tol’, the 2LP set includes a second remixed disc containing the single mix of ‘Just The One’ (with Joe Strummer on piano) along with B sides and rarities from the Zeitgeist sessions. The deluxe 3CD set includes an extra ‘Outtakes’ album.
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