Leftfield - Leftism

Label: Hard Hands
Catologue Number: HARDCD2
Format: CD
Date: 1995
Style: Techno / Progressive House / Dub
Rating: 8/10
Reviewer: Sidney James

The Leftfield sound although originally labelled Progressive House, had very little to do with that commercial chart house sound. Leftism is based around the sounds of dub; Electro, ambience and a touch of tribal music all topped of with a hard but playful approach. The album kicks off with the stunning Release the Pressure, where a heavy dub bass line meets explosive beats and the smooth vocals of MC Cheshire Cat. The whole track reminds you of the sheer power a good bass sound can create.

The album that splinters into a myriad of different directions, from the gorgeous tribalism of Afro- Left to the more relaxed ambient sounds of Melt and Storm 3000 and back again to the dubbed out sounds of songs like Space Shanty and Inspection (Check One). However diverse the influences behind these tracks are, they all managed to maintain a stylisation that is uniquely Leftfield.

Leftism features many classic tracks, but the highlights for me are Original and Open Up. Both tracks feature unique vocalists with real talent. Original the more down tempo of the tracks features the angelic street vocals of Toni Halliday (Curve) who helps to create a track of dark beauty. Her vocals perfectly at place with the shuffling beats and turntable scratches the form the heart of the song.

Open Up in my eyes still rates as one of the greatest dance tracks ever. Slamming beats and a nagging bass line and greeted by the wonderful snarling vocals of John Lydon (nee Rotten). The whole song melds the punky rant of Mr Lydon into the world of modern dance technology. A kick in the teeth for all the purists out there who believe that rock and dance based music are mutually exclusive. It also proves the influence that Lydon’s P.I.L has had on a lot of underground dance music.

The only let-down for me is the inclusion of a inferior version of Song of Life, the version included on Leftism is alright, but the original version is far superior, holding a better dynamic and having a stronger structure. The only problem being that it is now near impossible to find the original 12” version of Song of Life.

Leftism to sum up, is a classic piece of modern electronic dance music, and is a must have purchase for anyone interested in dance music that lies outside the mainstream. It is also an album, which has kept its relevance and originality. Leftfield still remain one of those bands that no one has come close or even tried to emulate. A band of true vision and integrity.