Texas rockers Level the playing field

Moke x% Levei (Shade Records/Red Division) <www.shaderecords.com>

John Goodman

This Weck Editor Moadman@nsnews.com

ALTERNATIVE rockers Level w win over fans with the edgy, uncompromising tunes on their Shade Records debut.

“We've been together almost four years,” says vocalist/guitarist Jared Putnam, “but our sound's changed quite a bit since the beginning. We started out as a jazz rock band and experimented more.”

The El Paso, Texas quartet sharpened their sound through nonstop touring in the American Southwest.

In 1998 they recorded a concept piece The Story of a Boy which caught the ear of Shade Records’ Steve McKagan. The label signed Level and hooked them up with pro- ducer Mike Major to record their new self- tided album which came out in December of 1999,

The result is Level’s calling card to the world — an edgy disc which ignores formu- ia for new territory. Like Fugazi they rock out with integrity.

Major gives the band room to mess around with the dynamics without losing, track of the basic song forms. “He’s an amazing guy.” says Putnam. “We would def initely like to use him again in the future.”

Putnam and bassist John Michels have performed together in bands since high school with guitarist Mike Nunez and drummer Mike Hernandez rounding out the group. The new CD makes it clear Level have found their playing field.

The band will perform anywhere but they do have their preferences. “We like to play all-ages gigs,” says Putnam, “we're not there to help people get drunk. We want to be heard.”

It’s a sure sign of Sprin

Powerman power through

i Korn and Powerman 5000 at GM Place, July, 36

Powerman 5000 held the middle stot between Papa Reach and Korn. The band’s stage show was sterling — raw showmanship and power. PSK was indeed the highlight of the concert for me. These guys are driven by power with seething unrelenting bass lines and unshackled guitars. Dorian 27 (lead vox) can really sing and the drums were divine.

Johnathan Davies, lead vocalist for Korn, brooding and dark in his del ery. Fast drums, forlorn guitars. A great arena performance.

@ The Weakerthans at The Starfish, July 25.

What is it about the prairies that seems to be harvesting the best musi- cians in the country ? Maybe the win- ter has something to do with it. The Weakerthans from Winnipeg have a full

sound, and great songs. Out promot- ing their second disc, Left and Leaving, the band has clearly forged ahead and come up with a disc for

one. John Samson's lyrics com- municate the seclusion and weakening of urban streets.

The Weakerthans have a wide musi- cal range, from full on punk cock, to a mournful fap steel that draws and drags vou in to another camp. And you thought Wide Mouth Mason was good Watch out for these guys — they are really good.

@ Don Henley at the Queen E Theatre July 27.

Don Henley (of Eagles fame} and his band were as entertaining as ever. The group cruised through the songs at the Queen E with laidback cuol and flair. Starting off with “Laundry,” fus- ing their way into “Sunset” complete with a horn section The guitars were perpetual and the horn section was sweet.

-— Sprout

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YOUR GARAGE SALE KIT INCLUDES; 9) Locator Signs 2) Balloons

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: ¥ww.shadarseords.com

ALTERNATIVE rockers Level, from El Paso, Texas, give us a set of brilliant tunes on their Shade Records debut. The band

consists of Mike Nunez (guitar), Mike Hernandez (drums), John Michels (bass) and Jared Putnam (vocals and guitar).

NEWS photo Sprout vrww eyetenser.com/sprout POWERMAN’S Dorian 27 at GM Place on Sunday.

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