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Levity Records launch

Last night we attended what we thought was more to be a launch for Cut Off Your Hands' new EP, Blue On Blue at the National Art School in Darlinghurst. It ended up being more of a launch for Levity Records and did feel somewhat like a bit of a corporate event.

Levity Records is Levis' record label. They have been established to help raise their image by associating themselves with up-and-coming bands as well as, if you believe their marketing pitch, 'to support local music'. Cut Off Your Hands are their first signing and in exchange for their association with the fashion company - photos of them are used in some ads - Levis funded their latest EP and letting them keep ownership of the songs. Not a bad deal.

The event was pleasant enough. It's hard to diss the free drinks and food being forced upon you. There did seem to be a fair few 'celebrities' about as well, which, if you are like me don't mind a bit of star-phuck, was a nice way to kill some time before the band got on.

I went along with three people who were only vaguely familiar with Cut Off Your Hands' material. This provided a nice, neutral perspective on their performance as my judgment on them is clouded by memories of seeing them absolutely destroy tiny venues from back in the early days.

First song in, frontman Alex charged into the crowd of unsuspecting industry, press and leeching types, pushing women and children out of the way as he aimlessly marched around the room. To be honest, the whole act seemed slightly forced. I have seen them do this type of thing countless times before as a method of engaging the crowd in the show but on this occasion it just didn't seem to fit the set-up.

This kick-started a set that was plagued, for the most part, by bass amp and sound problems. The sound was pretty ordinary as it was being held in a stone building not exactly designed for live performances, but the bass guitar dropping out midway through songs didn't help.

When it all ended the people I had come with had not been impressed with their performance. The showboating, although part of the reason they got to where they are now, didn't necessarily match the atmosphere in the room and the band should have read it that way. Ultimately, it didn't feel like they performed to the crowd - more as though the crowd watched them play.

This was disappointing. I obviously think highly of this band and the music they produce and want to see them reach the success I think they deserve. Hopefully their relationship with Levity Records, which seems like a lovely set-up for all involved, continues in some form. Also, it would be good to see the label spread it's wings and possibly bring up a band from a more grassroots level. They have the power (and ca$h) to do some good things for small bands. Hopefully we, as fans, get benefits from this.

Related:

• Jerry from Who The Hell talks about the Levity deal
• Boudist was there and (as usual) took some lovely photos