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Signs and Wonders A new song from the 3 Levellers; its dystopian rock but don`t let it bring you down! Style is _UPWARD.STY (Upward Acoustic Rock) RealTracks in style: 995:Bass, Electric, HardRockLA Ev 120 RealTracks in style: 1535:Piano, Acoustic, Rhythm PopPowerPushA-B Ev 120 RealTracks in style: 2929:Guitar, Acoustic, Rhythm PopFunkyJoe Ev16 110 RealTracks in song: 2304:Synth, Rhythm DanceRockKoto Ev 120 RealTracks in song: 3182:Guitar, Acoustic, Rhythm GrungeUnpluggedQuinn Ev16 090 RealTracks in song: 3267:Cello, Background CelticAirFlowingNatalie Ev 085 RealDrums [in style:RockHardEven8^1-a:Snare, HiHat , b:Snare, Ride Lead Guitars: ScottC Bass & Rhythm Guitar RayC Vocals: Robertkc Signs and Wonders in the ruins of a song radio radiation ripples of a sandstruck bell call us to witness crimes of obedience vines crack the walls of our cell gripped in talons steel clone falcons scan your heart from the king`s hand in streets lie bleeding doves stopped believing wings were never meant for man they say no price is too great will against fate open the flood gates gargoyle judges angels on crutches lovers in towers signs and wonders in anothers eyes a tear to cover your day a breaking wave wash the stain away militant mystics childrens logistics angels in towers signs and wonders in anothers eyes in the ruins of a song radio radiation © Robert Cordrey Dec, 2020
Last edited by Robertkc; 02/05/21 04:00 PM.
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well, you had me with the description: "It's dystopian rock, but don't let it bring you down"
I like this a lot. You write interesting lyrics. Not everyone can write in cryptic terms and make it work. Most often it comes across as an exercise in lyrical awkwardness, but in this case your words create ethereal images to which the listener can reasonably apply his/her own interpretation. That's an art form in its own right. Once you're famous and talking heads start to analyze your songs, nobody will be able to agree on what they mean, because you've made them so open-ended.
The three of you work well together. All of your contributions are rock solid. Hats off to the entire team.
I like the way the song's intro draws me into what's to come. Very nice intro.
The clean guitar panned center was very interesting, except at times (on my setup) it seemed a bit loud in the mix... to the point of competing with the vocals. But I liked the recurring theme it added to the song. Haunting. Or maybe dystopian, to use your word.
I like the chord progression for this song, the repetition itself being a bit hypnotic.
Every time the cello enters the mix, I love it. Good job with that.
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"its dystopian rock but don`t let it bring you down" well that got my attention. This is really good. I liked the chord progression and lyrics. The other parts are good but to nitpick I thought the guitar was a tad loud and the vocal a tad to quiet. Bring up that vocal, those lyrics are to good to be buried in the mix. Note that is just my opinion and others may or may not agree.
OK, a random thought;
Why does toilet paper need a commercial? Who's not buying it?
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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Very unsettling, which is good in this case. Otherworldly is another term that comes to mind. Damned good probably describes it best. Everyone meshes good, including BIAB. Good job to all involved.
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well, you had me with the description: "It's dystopian rock, but don't let it bring you down"
I like this a lot. You write interesting lyrics. Not everyone can write in cryptic terms and make it work. Most often it comes across as an exercise in lyrical awkwardness, but in this case your words create ethereal images to which the listener can reasonably apply his/her own interpretation. That's an art form in its own right. Once you're famous and talking heads start to analyze your songs, nobody will be able to agree on what they mean, because you've made them so open-ended.
The three of you work well together. All of your contributions are rock solid. Hats off to the entire team.
I like the way the song's intro draws me into what's to come. Very nice intro.
The clean guitar panned center was very interesting, except at times (on my setup) it seemed a bit loud in the mix... to the point of competing with the vocals. But I liked the recurring theme it added to the song. Haunting. Or maybe dystopian, to use your word.
I like the chord progression for this song, the repetition itself being a bit hypnotic.
Every time the cello enters the mix, I love it. Good job with that. Pat, First off- boy do you write awesome song reviews! I`m slightly dyslexic- it takes me 10 minutes to write 3 lines of legible English, but still- you listen carefully and take the time to express your whole impressions- a big Thank You for that. Your comments on the vocal level vs Scott`s guitar led me to check the mix: this song has so many tracks and effects I found it bogged my puny laptop- couldn`t listen to the mix entire without rendering and at the end I`ve discovered some effects were checked out changing the balance. Should be better now. I`m glad you enjoyed our efforts to unsettle and entertain. Robert
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While I can't say I enjoyed the song - it's a bit too much of a downer for that - it's well done, well played with the music a good match to the poetic language. Like Mario, I also though the vocals are mixed a bit low to make out the words clearly, but that seems to be part of the effect. Not a toe tapper, but it hits the mark. 
-- David Cuny My virtual singer development blogVocal control, you say. Never heard of it. Is that some kind of ProTools thing?BiaB 2025 | Windows 11 | Reaper | Way too many VSTis.
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Love the intro! Very effective.
As is that repeating melodic guitar line from Scott, nice hook.
Great lyrics!
Good vocal and rock solid bass, another solid team effort. Enjoyed!
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"...its dystopian rock but don`t let it bring you down" haha. Read the opening before pushing play. Not many songs could start out with "in the ruins of a song" but you guys turn up the interest early and keep it going strong. I love the alliteration that follows: "radio radiation ripples". Man, Spirit Level is rises every time you guys collaborate, even in the dystopian world.
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Hi Robertkc,
Well-written lyrics. I love the sound of the lead guitar which reinforces the mood you wanted to create. Dark atmosphere in which you plunge us. The discreet cello reinforces the enigmatic atmosphere. I liked it.
Kindly regard
Take care of yourself
Derochette
alias JaniJackFlash
Kindly regards
Derochette
alias JaniJackFlash
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Quite a project! Glad I didn't have to mix it!!!
As mentioned, cryptic and dark. Robert, you have such a way with lyrics and have a unique (in a good way) voice. Personally, I'm okay with the vocal being deep in the mix. I think it only adds to the drama and emotion you are striving to deliver - and you deliver it most effectively.
Definitely not a fun song, but that said, I song well done and delivers the message as intended. Ands that's what's important - did the song effectively deliver the message and the mood. And I would say - Yes and Yes.
The intricate melding of the many tracks must have taken quite some time and patience. However much time and effort you put into this, from my perspective, you were nicely rewarded.
Tip of the hat to all involved. Well done!
Alan
Last edited by Al-David; 02/06/21 09:06 PM.
BIAB 2024 Ultra Plus-all StylePaks*Win11*32GB DDR5*Rhyzen 9745x*AT 2035 Mic*Peavey Nashville 112 Amp*Ibanez ART120* Acoustic/Electric/Washburn D200S Acoustic*Stromberg Monterey Jazz Guitar Loops: https://aldavidmusic.wixsite.com/bestmusicloops
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"its dystopian rock but don`t let it bring you down" well that got my attention. This is really good. I liked the chord progression and lyrics. The other parts are good but to nitpick I thought the guitar was a tad loud and the vocal a tad to quiet. Bring up that vocal, those lyrics are to good to be buried in the mix. Note that is just my opinion and others may or may not agree. Thanks Mario-the vocal has been lifted above the guitar since your listen.Thanks for your positive comments! Very unsettling, which is good in this case. Otherworldly is another term that comes to mind. Damned good probably describes it best. Everyone meshes good, including BIAB. Good job to all involved. I like that: "unsettling" and "otherworldly" fit very well I think, so I appreciate your receptive listen! While I can't say I enjoyed the song - it's a bit too much of a downer for that - it's well done, well played with the music a good match to the poetic language. Like Mario, I also though the vocals are mixed a bit low to make out the words clearly, but that seems to be part of the effect. Not a toe tapper, but it hits the mark. David, I`m listening mostly on headphones and (on the new mix) find the vocal/lyrics very clear now... be interesting to see if later listeners agree. Thanks for taking the time to comment.I understand your take on the mood, though to me its a song of resistance to oppression; galvanising rather than depressing. Robert
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Spirit Level,
Vintage sound for you all . . . like the build from the intro into the first verse. Really good vocal, Robert—lot of emotion there, and pulls the listener in. Not sure why this reminds me of Live—a combo of the vocal and those chord changes maybe—but really cool track, gentleman. I think for me among your best,
Hope all is well in your worlds (dystopian or otherwise),
Deej
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Thanks for the awesome comments we appreciate you checking out the song.
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Nice one, guys. Spirit Level has established an instantly recognisable sound, which is no small thing. Another very enjoyable outing.
Regards,
Leon
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Robert, Scott, Ray...
This sounds like a group that has been making music together for a long time.
I think that you've ALL done some of your best work here.
Scott's lead, Ray's rhythm and bass, Robert's lyric and vocals.
I like the way the vocals are processed and how they sit in the mix. Seems appropriate for the genre (whatever one might call it).
I like it.
fj
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All three of you have been producing some fine work. To me the lyrics and the mood of the instrumentation sounds medieval like. If you set up the amps and drums in an old English castle it would be perfect for the video. Very good playing and vocals. I enjoyed it,Tom
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We see sentient beings returning to their home planet and finding it
destroyed...they are in a shuttle flying over the ruins. All meaning
very cool dystopian imagery.
What to say? Hey, it's SL...mesmerizing, ethereal and all the while engaging.
The passionate vocal, soaring guitar and ever solid bass are all hittin' the note...
as Gregg Allman would say.
Fine production you three!
J&B
Our albums and singles are on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora and more. If interested search on Janice Merritt. Thanks! Our Videos
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Great intro and interesting lyrics! Reminds me a bit about Bowie.
Last edited by Alexander Paul; 02/07/21 11:53 AM.
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Really interesting lyrics which held my interest.
Shades of Dire Straits in parts.
Great stuff.
Vic
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Boy some awesome comments on the tune. So glad you checked out the song..
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