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Glo.bal  
Artist: Split Level 
Label: Organic Records (USA) 
By: James Stewart 
 
Split Level seems to have been around forever and it has been a while since we had their last full length project, Boomerang. Having tried various styles from ska to punk in the eighties and celtic rock in the early nineties, Split Level has moved to a rawer alternative rock sound while retaining the distinctive melodies and harmonies to be found elsewhere. This album is perhaps closer to the live sound they've had for a while now. Lyrically, the themes explored are personal ones and it is clear that Adrian Thompson (the lyricist) is not content to stick with the evangelical cliches so prevalent these days. Honesty is obvious, as are personal struggles, but a ray of hope holds steady throughout. A standout would have to be the wonderful 'Healed.' Starting out with an arpeggioed guitar and moving up into a more powerful yet still subdued chorus, this song delivers the message that though new age healings may help people, there is only one Healer in the long term. An album that works on many levels, I look forward to hearing this material played live. -----James Stewart