The Levellers Acoustic Tour: A Stripped-Back Triumph

★★★★☆ (4/5)

**LEVELLERS PERFORMING AT YORK’S BARBICAN CENTRE**
**PHOTOCREDIT: JOHN HAYHURST**

The Levellers have always been a band defined by their energy, passion, and ability to blend folk, punk, and rock into a uniquely powerful sound. Their acoustic tours, however, strip away the distortion and amplification, offering fans an intimate and deeply immersive experience. The latest leg of their acoustic journey here in York has only solidified their reputation now as masterful storytellers and musicians.

The evening began though with an enchanting set from Amelia Coburn, a Teesside singer-songwriter. From the moment she stepped on stage, she held the audience in rapt attention with her hauntingly beautiful vocals and intricate ukulele melodies. Her ethereal voice, reminiscent of Kate Bush and Joni Mitchell (yes I know – big shoes), wove effortlessly through a set of folk-infused originals, and her in-between song banter was comedic, such as ‘Vinegar Valentine’ which tells the story of wanting to send a message of hate to people rather than love. Each song a carefully crafted story, delivered with raw emotion and poetic lyricism. Those still in the bar missed a right treat.

It was clear from the set up, this would not be a typical Levellers gig. We are all seated and indoors for a start! Gone were the raucous, electrified anthems designed to send festival crowds into a frenzy. Instead, tonight we were treated to reimagined versions of classic tracks, arranged with a focus on intricate instrumentation, raw vocals, and deep emotional resonance. Accompanied by members of The Moulettes, the band introduced orchestral flourishes that added a richness and depth to their well-loved songs.

The set list was carefully curated to showcase both fan favourites and deeper cuts, all transformed to fit this more delicate approach. Songs like ‘One Way’ and ‘Julie’ —which typically carry an undeniable punk ferocity—took on new life, revealing the beauty of their melodies and the poetic weight of their lyrics. Meanwhile, ‘The Cholera Well’, a song that already had an intense and eerie quality, became even more haunting in this acoustic setting. The stripped-back arrangement highlighted its dark, compelling storytelling, making it one of the most memorable moments of the night.

‘Hope Street’ has always been my favourite though, a song that carried a strong message and in this setting, became even more passionate. With a stripped-back arrangement, the lyrics felt more urgent, as if the band were delivering them from the depths of their souls. That and ‘One Way’ caused a gathering of some people to stand up – quite right too, we’re not dead yet. I was already stood up at the side of the hall dutifully singing the words back. Another highlight was ‘The Road’, which, despite its more subdued arrangement, still carried the restless spirit that has always defined the Levellers’ music.

Frontman Mark Chadwick’s voice was in fine form, his delivery full of emotion and conviction. Meanwhile, Jeremy Cunningham’s fiddle-playing—always a defining feature of the band’s sound—was even more prominent in this acoustic setup, soaring through the venue and drawing a few spontaneous cheers from the audience. The interplay between the musicians was seamless, demonstrating not just technical skill but a deep understanding of each other’s playing.

What made the show so powerful was the way it revealed the Levellers’ enduring relevance. Even with a softer sound, their songs still carried the same urgency, their themes of social justice, resilience, and hope as important now as they were when they were first written 40 years ago.

This acoustic tour is a testament to their musicianship, storytelling, and ability to connect with their fans—no matter the format.