LEVEL’s 1982 self-titled private release is another of those lost cult classics, a real AOR obscurity that was only ever issued on LP and even that now fetches huge prices. Now reissued and for the first time on CD, this is a must for early ’80s AOR and pomp rock fans – the one and only album by USA band Level.
Tommy Marolda produced and engineered the album as well as co-writing one track. Here he has again provided the masters for JK Northrup to upgrade with a crisp remastering, adding the extra track not credited on the LP artwork and an exclusive previously unreleased bonus track.
Combining Pomp with radio friendly lite AOR, LEVEL’s sound resulted a crossroad between Balance, Dakota, Franke & The Knockouts, etc
Level originated from Trenton, NJ, and had local radio station WPST exposure. The band pressed 500 copies only of this LP ‘Level’, and since then the album became a rarity and hidden gem.
These guys excels with the uptempo AOR of the surging ‘Let Me Love You’ (just so infectious) or ‘Until Tomorrow’, two killer tunes with that magic from the era. ‘Be My Girl’ ‘You’ve Got Running On Your Mind’ with its power pop-rock vibe and its charging arrangements are songs ready to be included into the movie soundtrack of an Stallone film, while if you need an early Eighties FM radio ballad just play ‘Until Tomorrow’.
And then there’s ‘Permanent Scar’ with it pompous chorus and melodies.
This is a sensational uptempo catchy AOR rarity – hands down. Fans of the genre already are aware of ‘Level’, with LP-rip copies circulating for decades. Now the album is finally available with a remastered sound for all aficionados rejoice.
HIGHLY Recommended
Track Listing:
01. Living In My World 3:28
02. Tell Your Love To Last 4:13
03. Let Me Love You 4:22
04. Until Tomorrow 3:47
05. On My Own 3:03
06. You've Got Running On Your Mind 3:52
07. Permanent Scar 3:52
08. Be My Girl 3:31
09. Could You Believe In Love 3:07
Bonus Track:
10. You Know Where You’re Headed 3.38
Remastered CD will be released May 26
Level featured the line-up of:
Frank Jerome - Lead Vocals
Bob Chevalier - Keyboards
Brian McIntyre - Bass
Mark Massiello - Drums
Geri Gates - Lead Guitar
LEVEL – Level 2023 Remaster First Time On CD, MP3+FLAC, CD w/ Scans
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