LEVEL 42 so enjoyed their comeback tour last autumn, they are taking to the road again.

Next Wednesday, Mark King and his Brit-funk group from the Isle of Wight return to York Barbican Centre, where the played last November on their first concert itinerary in eight years.

"I think it went very well, better than I could have hoped for having been away for so long," says Mark. "The tour was pretty much a sell-out; we did 97 per cent of business - and we did it without any new product to sell. Normally you go out on tour when you have something new but we were doing a triumphant waving of some knackered old hits!"

No doubt old hits will be paraded once more on Wednesday, yet Mark says that a principal reason for touring again is to blow the cobwebs off more of the Level 42 catalogue stacked up between 1980 and 1994. The set will differ by as much as 75 per cent from last year, this time providing more of a showcase for band's skills of musicianship in a selection of album tracks.

"There were such a lot of albums: we were together for just on 15 years, there were 15 albums in that time, and I've had three solo albums, and then latterly there's been quite a healthy thing with Universal bringing out The Ultimate Collection and the DVD," says Mark.

"So there are about 200 songs for us to choose from, and I'm quite happy to go out and do what we've already written. I don't think anyone is dying for us to bring out a new album!"

Nevertheless, Mark is not ruling a Level 42 reunion album. "The thing is, you don't ever really go away from writing songs; song writing is something you pretty much do for fun, as a hobby, and you never stop doing it," he says.

"After the 1980s and early 1990s, though it was great fun to meet up for dinner and to sink a few drinks, we had needed time apart, but now we'd like to go into the studio, though it's a question of finding the time. We're at that precious time with children.

"So, a new a record would be good to do but it's not a burning issue for us in the way it once was."

Age may be a factor. Mark turned 45 earlier this week, and he says: "Age does make you want to slow down; now I have four kids and an extended family, music is not the only thing in my life.

"But at the same time, I'm planning to make a new solo record next year, though you can paint yourself into a corner by saying you'll do something. It's better just to turn up with it when it's done."

In the meantime, Mark will enjoy "showing off" on stage. "We're in the position of being the alternative to bands today," he says. "Who are people going to see today who can really play, like we do? There's either that scary thing of jazz or just the current crop of talent-show wannabes, who just hop around and you think 'Where's the music?'.

"With these pop bands it's just taken that the music is there. With us you can see the music being made; you can see the band at work."

Finally Mark, does the Ultimate Tour title suggest this is goodbye time for Level 42? "No, it's down to that fact there's the Ultimate Collection album. It's a bit like a 'New Improved' washing powder... until the next one comes along."

Level 42, 2003 Ultimate Tour, All The Hits And More, York Barbican Centre, October 29, 7.30pm. Tickets: £20 on 01904 656688.

Updated: 09:54 Friday, October 24, 2003