(July 18, 2023) This summer, longtime Level 42 vocalist and keyboardist Mike Lindup is stepping out with new material and a forthcoming album full of virtuoso talent including appearances from UK neo-soul singer Omar, Incognito’s Tony Momrelle, even impressionist/comedian Jon Culshaw (!) and remixes by dance king Louie Vega.
The timing couldn’t be better: For starters, the material both sonically and lyrically is an extension of Level 42 greatness. With fellow band member Mark King, Level 42 — a jazz-funk band that was once defined by their big leap into New Wave — stormed the charts in the mid 80s with enduring singles like the Top Ten masterpiece “Something About You” (which Lindup co-wrote and offered lead parts on the falsetto primed pre-chorus) and the dreamy synth-pop gem “Lessons in Love.”
(July 18, 2023) This summer, longtime Level 42 vocalist and keyboardist Mike Lindup is stepping out with new material and a forthcoming album full of virtuoso talent including appearances from UK neo-soul singer Omar, Incognito’s Tony Momrelle, even impressionist/comedian Jon Culshaw (!) and remixes by dance king Louie Vega.
The timing couldn’t be better: For starters, the material both sonically and lyrically is an extension of Level 42 greatness. With fellow band member Mark King, Level 42 — a jazz-funk band that was once defined by their big leap into New Wave — stormed the charts in the mid 80s with enduring singles like the Top Ten masterpiece “Something About You” (which Lindup co-wrote and offered lead parts on the falsetto primed pre-chorus) and the dreamy synth-pop gem “Lessons in Love.”
But most importantly, the funky disco-dazzled single “You Can’t Just Live as an Island” finds Lindup reaching a new peak of artistry, with the song breaking forth with the strongest of Jamiroquai and Tortured Soul vibes. And the lively instrumentation and energy feels like a watermark in his solo efforts. Not only does Lindup provide the lead vocals, but he’s laying the foundation with plenty of musical horsepower on the Rhodes, Roland Juno 106, Clavinet, Moog bass, even drums.
Linup is also surrounded by a swell of support including punchy horns and gorgeous soulful backing vocals. The final product sounds like an acid jazz high-def cousin of Invisible Man’s Band’s “All Night Thing.” And coming off (and out) of the isolation of the 2020 pandemic, the lyrics have even more meaning: “Join me on the floor where I will enthrall you/Because it’s plain to see you can’t just live as an island…It’s clear to me it ain’t no fun at a party of one/And I will make you see that you’ll be better off with me.”
The highly anticipated album, Changes 2, is expected to drop July 28. It marks the follow-up to Lindup’s solo debut LP, Changes, an album released in the summer of 1990 over 33 years ago. About the new content, Lindup felt empowered and emboldened to reflect on the new realities surrounding him. “During the four years of making this album I’ve been reflecting on the world as I see it, the actors and actions on this grand stage of life, love, death, prejudice, politics, separation, longing, hopes and dreams. Musically, many of the seeds of these songs took hold a while ago and wouldn’t let go, but to be fulfilled they needed input and inspiration from my producers Toni [Economides] and Mike [Patto], and the talents of the singers and musicians that are featured within. My wish is that some of these themes will resonate with you.”
Check out the new single, “You Can’t Just Live as An Island” and let us know your thoughts.
By J Matthew Cobb
Mike Lindup
"You Just Can't Live As An Island"