1) Levitation - Englis… Read Full Bio ↴There is more than one artist with this name:
1) Levitation - English psychedelic mind-punk outfit
2) Levitation - Norwegian Symphonic Metal/Hard Rock band
3) Levitation - Acid jazz/downtempo band
4) Levitation - Danish modern death metal band
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1) Levitation (1990-1994) were an innovative English psychedelic mind-punk outfit, fronted by ex-House of Love guitarist Terry Bickers. Levitation's music and attitude challenged an early Nineties UK alternative music scene dominated by Shoegazing and Madchester. The band were often credited in the music press as attempting to rehabilitate progressive rock. (...)
After an acrimonious departure from the House of Love in 1989, guitarist Terry Bickers teamed up with drummer David Francolini and formed Levitation the following year. Based in London, they quickly found a group of like-minded and established musicians, including Christian Hayes (ex-Ring, Cardiacs, and the Dave Howard Singers), Robert White (ex-Zag and the Coloured Beads), Johnny T (a violinist from the Reggae Philharmonic Orchestra), and Joe Allan (a bassist). The band soon set off to tour France supporting Ride, and Belgium supporting Galaxie 500. (...)
Levitation's second EP on Ultimate, After Ever, was released in August 1991 to more critical acclaim, and again the band made single of the week in Melody Maker where it was described as "Blessed genius..". The video for Firefly, the first track on the EP, pictured the band levitating over a golden field. In September, two more tracks - Squirrel and It's Time were released on 7" via the new Rough Trade mail order singles club. In November a taster compilation album, titled Coterie, was released on Capitol Records in the USA. Coterie included the tracks from the first two EPs and the Squirrel 7". The band also crossed the Atlantic for the first time for a mini-tour of the USA, playing in Los Angeles and New York. (...)
Leviation's first studio album Need For Not appeared on 4 May 1992 (the adverts for the album proclaiming "May the Fourth be with you"), and The Chain With No Name independent record stores sold the album with a limited edition 7" featuring the track Cutwater on one side and an etching of a heart by Dave Francolini and Joanna Peacock on the other. Throughout the summer the band toured with the Cardiacs, including playing at Reading Festival.
Following the collapse of Rough Trade, Levitation signed to Chrysalis, and in April 1993 released their third EP, Even When Your Eyes Are Open. A second album, Meanwhile Gardens, was planned to be released in two parts, the first installment in summer, the second in autumn.
Then disaster struck. After playing a bad-tempered fifty-minute set at Tufnell Park Dome in north London on May 14 1993, where the band were co-headlining with Eat, Terry surprised the audience and the rest of the band by announcing his intentions to leave.
"Levitation are a lost cause as far as I can tell. We've completely lost it haven't we? Haven't we?"
"This is the last time you'll see me for a bit".
"No corporation is going to stop us, gas is our business, cars are our business, the music business is our business.." paraphrasing Killing Joke's 1990 track Age Of Greed.
A letter to the fan club from Christian Hayes described Terry's departure as "an unfortunate but necessary stick in the spokes... Terry no longer wishes to be in Levitation, feeling no excitement for the material and therefore uncomfortable within the band."
The band maintained that Terry's departure was positive for all involved. A later statement on 1 June read, "Terry Bickers (the one who stood in the middle) has parted company with Levitation... We believe the circumstances in which we now find ourselves presents us with the oil to lubricate our gears."
In the aftermath of Terry's shocking departure the Meanwhile Gardens LP was temporarily shelved, and scheduled appearances, including the Phoenix Festival (headlining the Powerhaus stage), and a support slot at The Cure's Great Expectations Finsbury Park concert, were cancelled.
After rumours that the band had asked Juliane Regan from All About Eve to take over the front spot, Steve Ludwin, from the band Some Have Fins, was finally recruited in August 1993. The new line-up was aired for the first time at a series of gigs at the Splash Club, at the Water Rats in King's Cross in May and June 1994.
A letter to the fan club stated, "The storm has passed and the voyage may begin again." The reception was mixed, but most fans were glad to have Levitation back and playing. However, the new line-up did not find its feet, and to the dismay of their devout fans, Levitation finally split for good in October 1994. Their brief but bright career was over.
Plans announced in winter 1995 to mix the second half of Meanwhile Gardens and release it with the first half as originally planned never came to fruition. A nine-track version of the album was released through Festival Records in Australia, followed by two EPs, but much of the band's material failed to see the light of day.
Terry went on to form Cradle with Caroline Tree and Ian Mundwyler, releasing an Baba Yaga in 1996, before going on to another band, Monkey 7, based in Brighton. Terry has since reformed the House of Love with Guy Chadwick, who, after a series of low-key gigs in 2003, are recording new material.
Christian, Dave and Laurence formed Dark Star, releasing a number of EPs and an album, Twenty Twenty Sound, in 1999 on EMI. Despite some success and critical acclaim, Dark Star split up. Christian has since played guitar for the Pet Shop Boys and has been recording a solo album under the name Mikrokosmos.
In 2007 Christian, Dave and Laurance re-surfaced with three others in a new band, Dragons. Dave Francolini has also started talking of a Levitation re-issue on Rough Trade including the original, never released, version of 'Meanwhile Gardens'.
Members:
* Joe Allan - bass (1990-1991)
* Terry Bickers - vocals, guitar (1990-1993)
* David Francolini - drums (1990-1994)
* Christian Hayes aka Bic - guitar, backing vocals (1990-1994)
* Laurence O'Keefe - bass (1990-1994)
* Steve Ludwin - vocals, guitar (1993-1994)
* Johnny T - violin (1990-1991)
* Robert White - keyboards, bass, backing vocals (1990-1994)
2) Levitation was a Norwegian Symphonic Metal/Hard Rock band with 6 members. The band was established in 2004, only for a one time performance at a "happy new year"-concert. At that time, the bandmembers was Øyvind Angelsen on synth, Jim Eikevåg on the guitars, Magnus Næss Eriksen on bass, John Byberg was the drummer and Stig Atle Ravnås did the vocals and 2nd guitars. After the concert, Stig Atle decided to leave the band, due his studies, and the band lay dead until December 2005, when Hallvard Ladstein joined as vocalist. Also this time, the goal was a performance at the same New Year-concert. The feedback was very positive, and the band decided to participate on "Ungdommens Kulturmønstring", which is a kind of a talent-competition, under the name "Guardian Soldier". This performance went very well, and the band got through to the regional round. But right after the local performance, the bassist Magnus Næss Eriksen decided to leave, due time problems.
Before the regional performance at UKM, they changed their name to "Levitation". They did lots of concerts, and did also play with bands and artists such as Madrugada and Maria Mena.
Last Line-Up before break:
Hallvard Ladstein - Vocals
K. Voster - Bass
Trond Inge Andersen - Lead Guitar
Jim Eikevåg - 2nd Guitars
Øyvind Angelsen - Synth
John Byberg - Drums
3) Levitation was a acid jazz/downtempo band. The 2 songs with the most plays on Last.fm belonged to them. (Update 2009 - this may have changed by now...)Their songs have been featured on several compilations such as Cafe del Mar or Cafe Ibiza.
IV
Levitation Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Rafting...
Everyone has this magick glowing ...
Glowing inside!
Child, why are you afraid of it showing?
All the while knowing
This magick is for you to keep
There's magick stowing
It's time to reap this harvest
(Chorus)
This is your place here
You can rest your head (on me)
Take my hand, don't fear
Put those thoughts to bed (you'll see)
To see the world
Through many eyes
To see the world
Through many eyes
To see the world
Through many eyes
To see the world
Through many eyes
(This is your place your head)
To see the world
Through many eyes
(Take my, take my hand)
To see the world
Through many eyes
In Levitation's song "IV," the lyrics convey a sense of universal joy and magic that resides within every individual. The opening lines suggest that this magic is present in everyone, likening it to the infectious laughter of babies. It is described as bubbling, blowing, and glowing, evoking a sense of childlike wonder.
The song speaks to the fear and hesitation that some may experience in expressing or embracing this inner magic. The line "Child, why are you afraid of it showing?" suggests that there may be a reluctance to let others see this innate enchantment. However, the lyrics also acknowledge that deep down, we all know that this magic is meant to be cherished and nurtured. It is described as being hidden away, but the time has come to reap its benefits, implying that it is time to unleash and embrace our inherent brilliance.
The chorus emphasizes the importance of finding solace and rest in this place of magic. It encourages taking the singer's hand, assuring that there is nothing to fear. The words "Put those thoughts to bed" suggest quieting the doubts and uncertainties that may inhibit us from fully embracing our own magic. The lyrics also speak to the power of seeing the world through multiple perspectives, through "many eyes." It implies that by embracing our inner magic, we gain a greater understanding and appreciation of the world around us.
Overall, "IV" by Levitation inspires listeners to recognize the potent magic that resides within themselves and encourages them to fearlessly express and explore it, bringing a sense of joy and wonderment into their lives.
Line by Line Meaning
Like babies laughing everyone has this magick joy bubbling blowing glowing
Just like the sound of babies laughing, everyone possesses a magical sense of joy that constantly bubbles, blows, and glows within them.
Rafting...
Floating along, as if on a raft, carried by the current of this magic within.
Everyone has this magick glowing ...
Each and every person holds this magical light within them, shining brightly.
Glowing inside!
The magic that resides within us illuminates our inner being, radiating its brilliance outward.
Child, why are you afraid of it showing?
Child, why do you fear letting this magic be seen by others?
All the while knowing this magick is for you to keep
Despite knowing that this magic is meant for you to hold onto, you still hesitate to fully embrace it.
There's magick stowing deep inside
Deep within your being, there is hidden magic waiting to be discovered and unleashed.
It's time to reap this harvest
Now is the moment to gather and enjoy the fruits of this magical journey.
(Chorus)
Refrain
This is your place here
This is where you truly belong, in this moment and space.
You can rest your head (on me)
You can find comfort and solace by leaning on me, trusting in my support.
Take my hand, don't fear
Take hold of my hand, do not be afraid.
Put those thoughts to bed (you'll see)
Let go of your worries and allow your mind to rest, for in doing so, you will gain clarity and understanding.
To see the world through many eyes
To experience and perceive the world from various perspectives, gaining new insights and understanding.
To see the world through many eyes
To broaden your horizons and view the world through multiple lenses.
To see the world through many eyes
To embrace diversity and appreciate the different ways of perceiving and understanding the world.
To see the world through many eyes
To acknowledge that there are countless individuals with unique experiences and perspectives, and to value their contributions to the collective understanding of the world.
(This is your place your head)
This is where you can truly find peace and feel at home, allowing your thoughts to rest.
To see the world through many eyes
To open yourself up to the beauty and richness of the world by embracing different viewpoints.
(Take my, take my hand)
Accept my offer and take hold of my guiding hand, allowing me to lead you on this journey.
To see the world through many eyes
To expand your perception of the world by witnessing it through diverse perspectives.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Axel Kaner-Lidstrom, Ayodeji Ijishakin, Beatriz Rola, Dilara Aydin-Corbett, Emma Barnaby, Hamish Nockles-Moore, Harry Ling, James Akers, Lluis Domenech Plana, Maria Osuchowska, Paris Charles, Plumm, Roella Oloro, Saskia Horton
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
sleep gaze
In case anyone cares or has the time, here is every film in order to the best of my ability. A lot of films will be repeated and the cuts are quick, so please correct me if any film buffs catch mistakes or see anything I missed.
0:00 Montage -
Samsara (some shots could also be from the documentary “Baraka”), Beyond the Black Rainbow, “Transfiguration” Performance (Olivier de Sagazan), The Color of Pomegranates (I will list all films that are by this director as “Parajanov” as he has multiple films that are shown), Growth Timelapse (unknown), The fall, The Holy Mountain, Suicide Squad, The fall, Beyond the black rainbow
0:06 -
Sunshine, Samsara (volcano shot), 2001 A Space Odyssey, Haxan (Devil popping out), Growth timelapse (unknown), Samsara, Holy Mountain, Mulholland Dr, 2001 A Space Odyssey, Growth timelapse (unknown), BTBR, Holy Mountain, Skyfall (guy falling into water, unsure but I think that’s where this scene is from)
0:18 - Cuts between holy mountain and a montage of swirling colors that I’m not sure which film its from.
0:30 - Samsara, Haxan, BTBR, Holy mountain, BTBR, The Royal Tenenbaums (sink scene), Samsara, Kontroll (train scene), BTBR
0:42 - Kontroll (mirror smashing scene), Krinkles the Clown (old creepy cereal commercial), growth timelapse (unknown), Metropolis, Then repeats same clips over again
0:54 - Memories of paintings (Thomas Blanchard), cuts of inland empire show up (girl crying)
1:06 - More Holy Mountain
1:20 - growth timelapses, not sure which black and white film is shown but I believe it is “The Brain that wouldn’t die”, Moonlight (man nodding his head in front of mirror), Memories of paintings, Kontroll (girl holding flare), Krinkles, Space Odyssey, Parajanov
1:33 - Unsure which movie the explosion is from, Clockwork Orange, Memories of paintings, Unsure which movie bag over head scene is from, Metropolis, growth timelapse, another performance by Olivier (I believe from either Samsara/Baraka), The Fall, Parajanov, growth timelapse, BTBR, Transfiguration performance, unsure which movie the man ducking head under water is from
1:45 - Cuts between The Astronomer’s Dream, and the unknown color montage, then back to the Transfiguration Performance
2:09 - Every other cut is BTBR, then Holy Mountain, Brain that wouldn’t die, Suicide Squad, Space odyssey, Growth timelapse, Metropolis
2:40 - Blade Runner 2049 (eye shot), The Cell (baptism and man raising head above water scenes), Samsara, BTBR, Space Odyssey
2:54 - Eyes Wide Shut (guy in robes and mask), The cell, Inland Empire (tv static), David Lynch’s “Rabbits” (which is a standalone film but part of Inland Empire)
3:06 - Parajanov
3:19 - Foxtrot cleverly lined up with bass solo
3:31 - cuts between Space Odyssey, Memories of paintings, and BTBR
3:44 - BTBR, The Fall (man dodging arrow), BTBR, Goodnight Mommy (woman with bandages on head), don’t know which film the woman with gold object in mouth is from, same goes for ouija board clip, BTBR, Haxan, River of Fundament (had to reverse image search this one, it is a 5 hour long film, only available at museum showings), Clockwork orange, Holy mountain, unsure of black and white film, goodnight mommy, “The Birch” Crypt TV short (guy holding stick scene), BTBR
4:22 - Inglorious Basterds, BTBR, unknown, BTBR
4:34 - Willy Wonka and the chocolate Factory (boat ride), Goodnight mommy, The birch, Unknown, Clockwork Orange, Wonka, Mulholland Dr, Holy Mountain, Wonka
5:00 - The cell, Samsara, Moonlight, Krinkles, Space Odyssey, Unknown, Space Odyssey, The Fall, Wonka, Space Odyssey, Birdman
5:12: Unknown, Clockwork Orange, American Beauty, Growth timelapse, Kontroll, The Astronomer’s Dream, Parajanov, The Fall, BTBR, Metropolis, The Cell, The Fall, Metropolis, Inglorious Basterds, Metropolis
5:24 - Space Odyssey, cuts to the unknown color montage
5:36 - The cell, astronomer’s dream, Parajanov, Space Odyssey, The Fall, Metropolis, Holy Mountain, Transfiguration performance, unknown (dog attack), Inception
5:48 - Metropolis
6:06 - Unknown
6:10 - Parajanov, Metropolis
6:19 - Holy Mountain, Parajanov, Metropolis, Holy Mountain, A Trip to the Moon, Brain that wouldn’t die, Holy mountain, BTBR, Wonka, Space Odyssey, growth timelapse, Space Odyssey, Brain that wouldn’t die,
7:19 - Space Odyssey, Skyfall, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Skyfall, The Cell, Unknown (staircase scene), Haxan, The Fall, Parajanov, Space Odyssey, The Fall
7:48 - Unknown
8:18 - The Fall, Parajanov, Holy Mountain, River of Fundament
8:42 - BTBR, The Fall, Space Odyssey, Holy Mountain, The Fall, Parajanov
9:06 - Montage of all clips previously shown
sleep gaze
In case anyone cares or has the time, here is every film in order to the best of my ability. A lot of films will be repeated and the cuts are quick, so please correct me if any film buffs catch mistakes or see anything I missed.
0:00 Montage -
Samsara (some shots could also be from the documentary “Baraka”), Beyond the Black Rainbow, “Transfiguration” Performance (Olivier de Sagazan), The Color of Pomegranates (I will list all films that are by this director as “Parajanov” as he has multiple films that are shown), Growth Timelapse (unknown), The fall, The Holy Mountain, Suicide Squad, The fall, Beyond the black rainbow
0:06 -
Sunshine, Samsara (volcano shot), 2001 A Space Odyssey, Haxan (Devil popping out), Growth timelapse (unknown), Samsara, Holy Mountain, Mulholland Dr, 2001 A Space Odyssey, Growth timelapse (unknown), BTBR, Holy Mountain, Skyfall (guy falling into water, unsure but I think that’s where this scene is from)
0:18 - Cuts between holy mountain and a montage of swirling colors that I’m not sure which film its from.
0:30 - Samsara, Haxan, BTBR, Holy mountain, BTBR, The Royal Tenenbaums (sink scene), Samsara, Kontroll (train scene), BTBR
0:42 - Kontroll (mirror smashing scene), Krinkles the Clown (old creepy cereal commercial), growth timelapse (unknown), Metropolis, Then repeats same clips over again
0:54 - Memories of paintings (Thomas Blanchard), cuts of inland empire show up (girl crying)
1:06 - More Holy Mountain
1:20 - growth timelapses, not sure which black and white film is shown but I believe it is “The Brain that wouldn’t die”, Moonlight (man nodding his head in front of mirror), Memories of paintings, Kontroll (girl holding flare), Krinkles, Space Odyssey, Parajanov
1:33 - Unsure which movie the explosion is from, Clockwork Orange, Memories of paintings, Unsure which movie bag over head scene is from, Metropolis, growth timelapse, another performance by Olivier (I believe from either Samsara/Baraka), The Fall, Parajanov, growth timelapse, BTBR, Transfiguration performance, unsure which movie the man ducking head under water is from
1:45 - Cuts between The Astronomer’s Dream, and the unknown color montage, then back to the Transfiguration Performance
2:09 - Every other cut is BTBR, then Holy Mountain, Brain that wouldn’t die, Suicide Squad, Space odyssey, Growth timelapse, Metropolis
2:40 - Blade Runner 2049 (eye shot), The Cell (baptism and man raising head above water scenes), Samsara, BTBR, Space Odyssey
2:54 - Eyes Wide Shut (guy in robes and mask), The cell, Inland Empire (tv static), David Lynch’s “Rabbits” (which is a standalone film but part of Inland Empire)
3:06 - Parajanov
3:19 - Foxtrot cleverly lined up with bass solo
3:31 - cuts between Space Odyssey, Memories of paintings, and BTBR
3:44 - BTBR, The Fall (man dodging arrow), BTBR, Goodnight Mommy (woman with bandages on head), don’t know which film the woman with gold object in mouth is from, same goes for ouija board clip, BTBR, Haxan, River of Fundament (had to reverse image search this one, it is a 5 hour long film, only available at museum showings), Clockwork orange, Holy mountain, unsure of black and white film, goodnight mommy, “The Birch” Crypt TV short (guy holding stick scene), BTBR
4:22 - Inglorious Basterds, BTBR, unknown, BTBR
4:34 - Willy Wonka and the chocolate Factory (boat ride), Goodnight mommy, The birch, Unknown, Clockwork Orange, Wonka, Mulholland Dr, Holy Mountain, Wonka
5:00 - The cell, Samsara, Moonlight, Krinkles, Space Odyssey, Unknown, Space Odyssey, The Fall, Wonka, Space Odyssey, Birdman
5:12: Unknown, Clockwork Orange, American Beauty, Growth timelapse, Kontroll, The Astronomer’s Dream, Parajanov, The Fall, BTBR, Metropolis, The Cell, The Fall, Metropolis, Inglorious Basterds, Metropolis
5:24 - Space Odyssey, cuts to the unknown color montage
5:36 - The cell, astronomer’s dream, Parajanov, Space Odyssey, The Fall, Metropolis, Holy Mountain, Transfiguration performance, unknown (dog attack), Inception
5:48 - Metropolis
6:06 - Unknown
6:10 - Parajanov, Metropolis
6:19 - Holy Mountain, Parajanov, Metropolis, Holy Mountain, A Trip to the Moon, Brain that wouldn’t die, Holy mountain, BTBR, Wonka, Space Odyssey, growth timelapse, Space Odyssey, Brain that wouldn’t die,
7:19 - Space Odyssey, Skyfall, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Skyfall, The Cell, Unknown (staircase scene), Haxan, The Fall, Parajanov, Space Odyssey, The Fall
7:48 - Unknown
8:18 - The Fall, Parajanov, Holy Mountain, River of Fundament
8:42 - BTBR, The Fall, Space Odyssey, Holy Mountain, The Fall, Parajanov
9:06 - Montage of all clips previously shown
Derek Armunendua
Good shyte, mate. Thanks for this.
sleep gaze
@Bart Ford pretty sure it is, good catch!
Bart Ford
Is that Eyes Without a Face at 7:16 ?
Spartan Crown
Thank you for your time. Much appreciated.
Justin Crole
I care... and this is amazing! Thank you so so much for your hard work!!
Hansol
have yet to find something that makes me feel the way this video and song does
c D
Industrially confused Bungle
Nicholas H
keep searching.
Andree Reynolds
@Leon S. Kennedy listen to the whole album