Single Review: Mirror Man

Levi is a musical amalgamation that would in most cases be categorised as folk, thanks to the groups’ uncommon mix of instruments consisting of a saxophone, cello, and cajón, and a lack of a drum kit or electric instruments. That being said, Mirror Man has something unique. From the opening notes on the acoustic guitar, there is a country and western tinge, with an ambient backdrop that provides vivid imagery to the mind.

The lyrical content has less of a direct story-telling narrative that would come with the folk genre, instead, the emotion is conveyed through the performance and energy within the track. Starting with a cantering beat, the track keeps to a strict pace during the verse, before adjusting gait and slowing during the pre-chorus. Tim Shacklock’s cello is largely hidden in the mix, but takes the spotlight during the breakdown, laying down the rhythm that is invariably there but sometimes outshined by the Andrew Miller’s work on the saxophone.

Vocally, Michael Sesega, has a rather smooth, yet staccato melody, maintaining a dominant presence throughout the track, but not holding his notes and lingering too long. Working in a similar way to the saxophone, the vocal melody is added where needed but allowing the instrumentation to still shine. Calm, with a slight presence of gravel in the voice, Sesega oozes passion and vigour in the chorus. Mirror Man keeps things fresh with vocal variety, switching from the deep, low, almost spoken verses, to the higher projected melodies of the chorus.

The style continues to shift as the track progresses, amplifying until it reaches an almost indie rock vibe, with an upbeat pace and several layers of instruments working as one. The track continues to build and build throughout until it abruptly ends when they “let go of the troubled mirror man”.

Mirror Man is a powerful track that appears to be encouraging introspection on the listeners part and letting go of the guilt and other aspects that are holding us back. All given to us in a tightly knit package that competently merges musical genres.