I was a bit confused by this record when I was younger as I didn't really understand what it was. In more recent years I discovered that the songs on this album were recorded when the band were signed to their first record label Elite Records, but they were never released.
When Level 42 later signed for major label Polydor in 1981 they decided to record new material for their debut and the Elite recordings were left on the shelf. Once the band achieved respectable album sales with Polydor, their new label decided to buy the master tapes from Elite and release them as "The Early Tapes".
I bought this copy of the record from eBay in 2021 from eBay and, whilst it isn't in the best condition, the music still shines through. "Sandstorm" is a typical Brit-funk instrumental that leans heavily on Wally Badarou's Prophet 5 synth work as it roams along. The band are clearly incredible musicians but the music isn't really very remarkable here. The next track is one of the band's earlies singles "Love Meeting Love". Whilst this is another well executed piece, it is a little nondescript and lacks the killer hooks the band would later deploy to such great success.
Songs like "Theme to Margaret" and "Autumn (Paradise Is Free)" aren't quite as polished as they could be and most of these compositions sounds a little under-developed. You have to remember this album was made well before the polished perfection of Sarm West studios and Julian Mendelsohn; this is Level 42 in the raw.
On the flip side, "(Flying on the) Wings of Love" is probably the most notable single released from the album. Whilst the version here is overly long at almost seven minutes, the Latin infused disco has its merits. For me Mike's vocal has always sounded too strained in the higher registers of the chorus and this spoils my enjoyment of the track. Even worse it to come with the jazz heavy instrumental "Woman" which sounds like the most awful elevator music. I really dislike this one. The final two tracks are reasonable efforts but, like the rest of the album, there's nothing that stands out. This is a highly competent recording, but I am not surprised the band decided to begin again for their debut. 2/5
