THERE is no doubt in my mind that with Leftfield and their seminal debut album ‘Leftism’ a timeless legacy was etched into electronic music history along with the likes of The Prodigy and The Chemical Brothers.

Leftfield, without a doubt, set the tone for the 90’s dance community and this year, 22 years on from the acclaimed original, ’Leftism 22’ arrived overseen by Neil Barnes and Paul Daley. If you have never ever seen Leftfield live, the basics are easy; loud, and in your face electronics – with no holds barred sonic assault and brash bass that cuts through you like a knife through butter.

I caught up with Neil Barnes on a warm Tuesday morning and he enthused about the recent tour.

Leftfield….LIVE

‘It’s enjoyable being back and knowing that we still get recognised. Some of the venues have altered and improved their stance, of course some of the crowds are new, but it’s nice to see that the old have stuck with us and it feels as though we have never been away.’

The old story of meeting John Lydon popped into our chat and how no one had ever really heard an album like Leftism before.

‘He was so adamant it would work, he knew there was nothing else out there quite like it. We had this idea, like no one else had, so, we listened and we just took that leap you know’.

On the recent tour Neil spoke candidly of how successful it was. ‘We loved it, no glitches or glamour, just a tale of us coming back with our big sound, in cultured environments, to an array of amazing people’. There are evident signs that the business has changed somewhat with radio time being a key focus and music videos being overshadowed by the social outburst. ‘Of course its changed. The modern day world revolves around the social side of things which is new but effective. Radio, even though still important is a money thing and only certain stations give the opportunity to help the up and coming. As far as videos go, I don’t think anyone has seen a music video fully in the past 10 years have they?’

Neil Barnes

The 22 years of Leftism, left a rather nostalgic taste in everyone’s mouths and the faithful were always gunning for more. So the duo have spread their time between certain festival slots this summer. I caught Paul’s slot at the intimate Alfresco Festival whilst the duo will perform at Field Trip this coming weekend.

‘I love DJ’ing too’ Neil added, ‘The tools are all there to collate even more music than before. I’m not against just believing in the old school.’ The modern market has obviously changed the ethos somewhat,

When pressed about the Leftfield show at Field Trip this weekend, Neil told us: ‘I have heard a few good things about the levels that go into it. I know Sister Bliss is performing too so the festival is obviously in great hands and it seems to have a plethora of solid talent on tap so I’m genuinely really up for this one!’

You can see Leftfield DJ at Field Trip Festival this weekend. Tickets are still available here.