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If you were in the audience at the ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Norfolk Introducing gig at The Norwich Arts Centre in October 2008, you would have seen a piece of history in the making. Norwich band The Lost Levels gave their first ever performance as a five piece.

Until then, The Lost Levels were made up of Chris Cooper (keyboards and vocals), Iain Lowery (guitar and vocals), Steve Harris (drums) and Owen Morgan (bass).

The band have now recruited Ed Raisin as their fifth band member, so their live performances can be closer to their recorded sound.Ìý

Making use of a new member

The Lost Levels are known for their expert musicianship, setting intricate keyboard melodies against a building guitar and drum backdrop that is reminiscent of early 1970's Progressive Rock.

Chris already uses two keyboards on stage, but even then he finds it hard to get the richness the band achieves when recording. This meant that some songs were almost unplayable live, so the answer was to recruit Ed.

The band aim to improve their live sound

Now the band hope the sound on stage can be as big as in the studio.

"We have been thinking about getting a new band member for a while now, so we can achieve a more complete sound when we play live. We would be a ten piece if it were feasible," said Chris.

Finding the right person

The band said it had taken some time to find the right person.

"Norwich is a pretty small place and there aren't too many people out there. We just needed someone who could play and understand what we're trying to do," he added.

Their first gig as a five piece was a great success.

"I thought it was a really good night. The Lost Levels' performance was excellent and having Ed in the band really added something extra. They've always had a full sound, but now they're taking it to new heights," said Gary Standley, co-producer of ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Norfolk Introducing.

Moving into a new era

The Lost Levels have recently recorded four new versions of their current single The Early Sheets to coincide with the launch of a new video.

The video was made by a student from Norwich University College of the Arts.

By early next year, a new album should be on the way and latest member Ed is most excited with the way the band is progressing forward.

Ed is a new member of The Lost Levels

"We've just been writing and recording new demos at my studio, but I've mainly spent the last couple of months learning old tracks for the live shows," said Ed.

"I've had some input at rehearsals with the new tracks that we are are currently working on for the album, which has been great," he added.

Moving into a successful band is not always the easiest experience, but Ed hasn't had any problems at all.

"They are all my best mates anyway and we've played together in other bands, so I've slotted in rather easily," said Ed.

Even though it's early days, Ed's expectations for the new album are huge.

"It'll hopefully be an epic album that fulfills our hopes and expectations. We are going to be recording lots of it at Leeders Farm in Wymondham, so it should sound great. It will be finished by Easter," said Ed.