The Levy Circus is an eclectic band that emerged from the heart of the United Kingdom, specifically Market Harborough. The band’s origin story is as unique as their sound, a fusion of diverse musical genres that create an unforgettable listening experience. The journey began with Miles Levy, a distinguished Professor of Endocrinology in Leicester, who found an unexpected creative partner in Graham Jones, a guitarist and teacher at Leicester Grammar School. Their serendipitous meeting, driven by a genuine chemistry, led to prolific songwriting sessions that laid the foundation for The Levy Circus.
Over the course of a decade, The Levy Circus has evolved into a dynamic ensemble of talented musicians. Ammar Al-Chalabi, a renowned Professor of Neurology in London, brings his rhythmic expertise on drums, while Eddie Giacobbe, currently depping for the legendary 60s/70s band Edison Lighthouse, adds depth with his bass guitar. Oscar Muto, a multifaceted musician who teaches music and plays keys, squeezebox, and harmonica, rounds out the band’s versatile lineup. This diverse group of professionals and musicians creates a rich, melodic tapestry that defines The Levy Circus’s signature sound.
The band is known for their seamless fusion of Americana, pop, country, folk, and melodic rock; their sound has been compared to “Stiff meets Stax Records.” Their unique blend of lyrical storytelling and a great sense of melody results in songs that have a profound emotional impact on listeners. The Levy Circus is a monument to their commitment and love of music; their journey from recording demos during lockdown to working with producer Michael Smith to create a full-length album at the storied Woodworm Studios is impressive.
Prepare to embark on a sonic journey with “Tales of the Unconnected,” the latest album from The Levy Circus, released on June 24th, 2024. With the skillful arrangement of songs, this album creates a tapestry of sound that is both insightful and engaging by fusing together personal storylines with universal themes. Produced by Michael Smith, “Tales of the Unconnected” highlights the band’s distinct fusion of Americana, melodic rock, pop, country, and folk. It was recorded at the storied Woodworm Studios, which was formerly owned by Fairport Convention.
Tales Of The Unconnected Album Track List:
Looking Like Myself Again:
“Looking Like Myself Again,” the opening track of The Levy Circus’s album “Tales Of The Unconnected,” immediately drew me into a world of transcendent Americana music. The song begins with a mesmerizing blend of electric and rhythm guitar, creating a double-layered sound that is both electrifying and soothing. The bass guitar’s majestic movements and the unique rhythm of the drum beat set a dynamic tone that balances energy and calm perfectly. By the 0:14 timestamp, the instrumental arrangement fully blossoms into a beautiful sensation. The guitars echo with sharp clarity, the bass guitar pulses with a heavy groove, and the drums flow rhythmically, creating an intoxicating midtempo rhythm that compels the body to move.
This combination of groovy energy and a soft aura feels like vibrance coated in serenity, embodying the essence of Americana music at its finest. The arrival of the lead singer’s voice shortly after the instrumental development added another layer of enchantment. His voice, soft yet powerful, carries the lyrics with an effortless grace and finesse, adding depth and emotion to the song. The backup vocals, introduced at intervals, enrich the track with a fuller, warmer tone, enhancing its overall beauty. As the song progresses, the instrumentation evolves, gaining more essence with each passing second. The guitar takes the lead between the 2:24 and 2:38 timestamp, pounding out mind-blowing riffs and patterns that are astounding and magnificent.
This musical interlude demonstrates the band’s variety and virtuosity and demonstrates how well they can balance complexity and elegance. Another indication of The Levy Circus’s mastery of music is the way they modulate their vocals during “Looking Like Myself Again.” From beginning to end, the song’s compelling journey is created by the lead singer’s voice, which adjusts to the song’s changing dynamics. The song is a magnificent work of art because of its flawless fusion of melody, rhythm, and passion. By the time the song ended, I had the impression that the band’s extraordinary skill and inventiveness had taken me on a trip into the core of Americana music. “Looking Like Myself Again” is more than just a song; it’s a work of art that transforms listeners and raises the bar for the entire album.
Everything Is Going My Way:
“Everything Is Going My Way,” from The Levy Circus’s album “Tales Of The Unconnected,” delivers a consistent flow of happy vibes and cozy melodies that instantly captivated me. The song’s melody and rhythm feel like they were plucked from a charming comic country series or an animated delight, evoking a unique, joyful atmosphere. The simplicity of the instrumentation is one of its strongest suits, consistently delivering an engaging rhythm and melody that make the track truly exquisite and exceptional. The song opens with a gentle groove from the drum beat, accompanied by soft yet reverberating guitar strings. These elements, combined with the progressively heavy feel of the bass guitar and the subtle lacing of the piano, create a happy rhythm with a midtempo flow, groovy energy, and infectious sound.
At the 0:07 timestamp, the lead singer’s voice enters with a soft, clear, and soothing tone that has a calming yet vibrant effect. As his voice soars atop the instrumentation, the true beauty of the song unfolds. The partnership between the vocals and instrumentation is magical, enhancing the song’s rhythm and adding a unique charm. As the song progresses, subtle movements and shifts in the rudimentary flow enrich the listening experience. At the 1:00 timestamp, the backup vocals are unveiled, initially harmonizing sweet vocal melodies that bring a celestial feel to the song, elevating the entire soundscape. The period between the 1:17 and 1:29 timestamp features delightful piano melodies that amplify the song’s happy, cartoonish feel, while the bass guitar’s elegant flow adds a sophisticated touch.
Overall, “Everything Is Going My Way” is a work of art. The song’s simplicity in instrumentation combined with its engaging rhythm and melody creates an infectious energy that is hard to resist. The melodic pause and recall towards the end provide a perfect conclusion, encapsulating the essence of a true sonic wonder. This song wonderfully demonstrates The Levy Circus’s capacity to create music that has a profound emotional impact on listeners. It seems like a rush of sunlight and joy when you listen to it. This song is a highlight of the album and a demonstration of the band’s skill and inventiveness.
Seriously:
When it comes to soft and serene melodies, “Seriously” from the album “Tales Of The Unconnected” by The Levy Circus stands out as a masterful piece. The connection I feel to this song is profound because it encapsulates the beautiful feeling of love through its choice of instrumentation, rhythm, and melodic makeup. The song opens with double-layered guitar strings, featuring semi-acoustic guitar-like strings with a light and bright feel over a heavier backdrop. This sets the stage for a captivating narrative, akin to two distinct people captured in a live story. At the 0:05 timestamp, the full instrumentation unveils itself, with gentle percussion and thick-textured bass guitar sounds blending seamlessly with the opening strings to create a soft and calming melody.
This slow to mid-tempo feel is both serene and tranquil, setting the perfect backdrop for the lead singer’s exquisite vocals. As the song progresses, the lead singer’s soft and calming voice carries the lyrics with emotion, grace, and passion, perfectly matching the instrumentation. At the 0:40 timestamp, the soft and serene melody intensifies with the inclusion of violin-like melodies, adding a sharp yet celestial quality to the soundscape. By the 0:50 timestamp, the gentle caress of the drum beat emerges, bringing a tranquil and cozy feel to the soundscape and enhancing the melody’s intensity and groove. Between the 1:15 and 1:33 timestamp, the lead guitar’s beautiful strings take center stage, creating a delicate melodic presence and reverie that is both elegant and glorious. These short moments are truly transcendent, showcasing the band’s musical prowess.
When the lead singer’s voice returns at the 1:35 timestamp, the addition of harmonizing backup vocals brings an ethereal and otherworldly quality to the song, making it even more blissful. What makes “Seriously” truly exceptional is its ability to maintain a soft melodic flow from beginning to end, even with the inclusion of different elements at various intervals. The song’s main essence—a soft and serene soundscape—remains undisturbed, serving as its trademark. This careful balance of elements creates a cohesive and harmonious piece that stands out as a beautiful representation of love. The Levy Circus has crafted a song that not only soothes the listener but also evokes deep emotions, making “Seriously” a remarkable and unforgettable track on the album.
Wouldn’t Change A Thing:
I couldn’t have asked for a better song than “Wouldn’t Change A Thing” for the album “Tales Of The Unconnected” by The Levy Circus. This track encapsulates everything I crave in music, from its melancholic feel to serene melodies, the intensity that follows the calm, and the cozy feel of its beautiful tunes. The lyricism resonates deeply, making it a perfect conclusion to the album. The song opens with delicate piano melodies, creating a soft, reverberating feel that sets the stage. When the lead singer’s voice enters, it carries grace and essence, blending softness with powerful, emotive undertones that convey vulnerability.
At the 0:48 timestamp, the addition of backup vocals elevates the song. These vocals, with their celestial aura and calming presence, complement the lead singer perfectly, while the guitar strings gradually emerge, adding allure. As the song hits the 1:16 timestamp, the instrumentation fully develops. The gentle groove of the drum beat, ethereal guitar strings, and thick-textured elegance of the bass join the opening piano melodies, crafting a classical-like progressive rock sound. This midtempo rhythm, with its laidback energy and subtle groove, evokes introspection and melancholy. The song progresses with elegance and majesty, each chorus return echoing the blissful feel from the 0:48 timestamp. The soft melodies are transcendent, and at the 2:16 timestamp, the backup vocals reach higher realms of celestial beauty.
Shortly after, the instrumentation takes center stage, creating spellbinding melodies with gracious aura. Between the 2:58 and 3:28 timestamp, the fusion of piano and violin sounds crafts a solemn, magically calming backdrop for the lead singer’s exquisite vocals. At the 3:29 timestamp, the song regains its complete instrumental feel and returns to the chorus melodies. “Wouldn’t Change A Thing” is a magical work of art, a true musical reverie. The intricate layering of sounds and the seamless blend of vocals and instrumentation make it a symphony of angels, a celestial soundscape that leaves me spellbound every time. This track is not just a song; it’s an experience, a perfect embodiment of The Levy Circus’s ability to create profound and emotionally resonant music.
The voyage “Tales of the Unconnected” takes the audience through the wide range of feelings and experiences that make up the human experience. Every song conveys a different tale by fusing universal themes with personal accounts. With a blend of reflection, joy, love, and acceptance, The Levy Circus has created a compilation of songs that have a profound emotional impact on listeners. “Tales of the Unconnected” is a great recommendation for anyone looking for music that speaks to the soul and transcends genres. It is a credit to The Levy Circus’s skill and commitment that they were able to blend a variety of inspirations into a compelling record. Anyone who enjoys intensely personal yet widely applicable songs should definitely listen to this album.
For more information about The Levy Circus, click on the icons below.
