"When bands say something like, "We play a unique blend of influences like you've never heard before!" it usually means they sound exactly like whatever influences they claim. An artist has a context the listener will never have—it's difficult to see past intent to hear reality. Seattle band Levels, though, really do defy easy labeling. Sure, it's rock, but I also hear new-wave revival acts like She Wants Revenge and the Killers. There's no synth, though, and the bass is heavier and fuzzier, almost doomy at points. And maybe it's just because I have Bowie on the brain, but I feel like "Diamonds" is something the Goblin King would sing if he were fronting Depeche Mode, something I'd very much like to see, codpiece and all. Check it out at facebook.com/levelstheband." - Megan Seling / The Stranger

Home recording using Roland V-drums (TD-27), Roland FantomX8, various guitars, Roland 404-SX sampler, GarageBand and Audible. Influences: The Police, XTC, King Crimson, Tangerine Dream, The Samples, Peter Gabriel, History For Sale...

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