Album Review: Idlewild by Idlewild

Its ability to ravage and enlighten in equal measure makes us both mourn its passing and celebrate the opportunities it presents. Over the past few years, via publishing his journals and the release of the excellent Idlewild retrospective, In the Beginning There Were Answers: 25 Years of Idlewild, Roddy Woomble has lifted the lid on time's impact upon him and his band mates as they have morphed through numerous incarnations. From punk flecked critical darlings, to chart topping main stage contenders, followed by a period of dormancy punctuated by the occasional raising of sleepy heads, the band have lived many lives over their 30 years together.

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Idlewild breach dreary themes, such as one's sense of self and heartbreak, across their self-titled album. All the while the melody on each song, especially Like I Had Before, creates a juxtaposition of danceability. The diversity of feeling pushes for a cathartic release of the song's sombre lyrics onto the dancefloor. On the same track, Idlewild's lyricism captures how our perception of self is shaped by what we witness in the media before we're able to reshape it through relationships and the seismic shifts they create in our lives.

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Scottish guitar outfit return with renewed purpose and energy on first album in six years When Scottish guitar outfit Idlewild first appeared on the scene in the late 90s their sound was largely defined by thrashy, post-punk guitars, front man Roddy Woomble”s often barked delivery and a general air of chaos (DJ Steve Lamacq memorably described them as sounding like a flight of stairs falling down a flight of stairs). Yet, there was also evidence within this maelstrom that the space and ability existed for them to evolve. Over subsequent albums such as 100 Broken Windows and The Remote Part this is what happened, as melody was foregrounded and an occasional mellowing of sound occurred.

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Idlewild's second arc has been handled with tremendous grace. The much-loved Scottish band swung back into action 2015's 'Everything Ever Written', accompanied by some emotional, hugely fulfilling live shows. 2019's 'Interview Music' expanded their rock-infused poetry still further, but there was a feeling - certainly for this writer - that the band's newer material was being slept-on.

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