Loaded Album of the week
By Fred Spanner
IDLEWILD: Idlewild ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Idlewild have gone and pulled the most old-school rock ‘n’ roll trick in the book: ten albums deep and they’ve slapped their own name on the cover like they’re starting over. It’s either brazen confidence or they’ve run out of ideas for titles. Either way, it works.
The record kicks off with “Stay Out of Place,” and you’re immediately reminded why these Scottish lads were once the bookish punks who somehow managed to slip into the Top 10. It’s melodic and moody.
“Like I Had Before” is the one you’ll end up humming on the way to Greggs the next morning. It’s catchy as hell. Meanwhile, “Make It Happen” stomps about like a bear in Doc Martens. It’s a reminder that Idlewild can still turn the amps up when they fancy, and it’s probably the closest thing here to their scrappier early days.
“I Wish I Wrote It Down” takes things down a notch, the sound of Roddy Woomble staring out a rainy window and wondering what’s gone wrong with the world (answer: probably quite a lot). Then comes “End With Sunrise,” which closes the whole affair with something bordering on cinematic.
It’s a sharp, heartfelt, and proper Idlewild: the sound of a band who’ve grown up without going soft.
A tight, no-nonsense set from Scotland’s finest nearly-men. Stick it on, crack a beer, and remind yourself that some indie bands age like whisky, not milk.
Check out our interview with frontman, Roddy Woomble.