Levi Lights On Project have a knack for writing material that captures the zeitgeist and their latest single is no exception. Moody, gritty and evocative, Like a Tie is the perfect song for a television or film soundtrack with a Walter Mitty-esque theme of an office worker or corporate executive who dreams of throwing off the shackles of the 9 to 5 and living a more colourful existence.
My only quibble is with the track’s length. It’s very short and I think it could have benefited from at least one more verse and a bit more narrative and musical development. It’s a really good track, but just over too soon!
Michael Levin Sesega (Levi) is the musical architect and songwriter for the Lights On Project which has been playing shows in and around Auckland for the past 2 years. Levi’s powerful and emotional tones, blended with an uncommon mix of instruments provide the listener with very vivid imagery.
Accompanying Levi in his full 5-piece line up are Jason Slade on guitar/bass, Tim Shacklock on cello, Andrew Miller on saxophone and Igor Shnayderman on cajon/percussion. These 5 individually talented musicians come together to deliver songs which touch the soul and unpick the very nature of human existence.
This ensemble is truly genre-spanning in both construct and delivery and their sound encompasses folk, blues, jazz, rock and even a smattering of pop. Levi’s lyrics encourage self-awareness, self-development and humanitarian compassion. This is not just music. It's transformation through sound.