The Level Spirits first came to my attention last month with their fantastic new single “Take It Out.” Now that I’ve given their debut album Double Crosser a few spins, I’m thrilled to discover that this killer cut is no fluke.
The Level Spirits deliver good old-fashioned rock and roll. There are elements of blues, country, and rockabilly in the mix, which only add to the fun. Rather than sounding like a musical throwback, The Level Spirits present themselves as retro cool.
Lead singer Molly Jean Morrison anchors The Level Spirits’ contemporary image. She cuts a striking image with her flame-red hair, ballsy vocals, and sassy delivery. It’s hard to believe that The Level Spirits is Molly Jean’s first band, as she sings with a natural ease that suggests years in the biz. Her time in the world of burlesque has clearly served her well; she brings a raw sexuality to the band that’s really exciting.
The raucous opener and title track “Double Crosser” grabs you by the throat, demanding you to listen to what’s coming up next. And what follows is the kind of music you might expect to hear in a smoky juke joint. It’s always upbeat, but some deliciously dark lyrics add an extra layer. “Psycho For Your Love” and “Not as Much” were real highlights for me, but I daresay I’ll find a few more favourites the more I listen to the record.
The only disappointment for me was the closer, “Taste of the Same.” While it’s a solid track, it feels so much more modern and, dare I say it, generic than what had come before. I’m of the school of thought where albums should be whole, cohesive units, and this song just didn’t gel with the rest of the tunes.
Still, there’s an awful lot to dig about Double Crosser. There’s so much life to it, I’d love to see what these guys can do on stage. Sadly they’re only playing in Melbourne at this point, including their album launch at The Tote this Friday. If you’re a local, I strongly suggest you check it out!