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Live Review
by SaschaS
21-4-2002
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| Idlewild: Fame is a lonely biz |
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Live: Idlewild
Astoria, London
Saturday, April 20, 2002
Idlewild’s show is viewed from two opposing sides of a (cerebral) balcony
Con: What’s all the fuss, if there is one? Idlewild is just an average band playing music that can but leave one – indifferent. The Edinburgh-originated group tend to be in the same league as many of their compatriots, just replicators of things gone by. Instead of West Coast we get Sonic Youth’s noise with Fugazi standing in for Crosby Stills Nash & Young…
Idlewild’s recorded songs tend to be on the restrained end although shows are performed with more vitality and gusto that is widely appreciated by the baying public. The ticket states ‘Over 14’s only’ and true, fans appear in need of developing – an informed taste. The trouble with Idlewild is that they have very little to offer to promote them into the Premiership. The big question is – how, because all they have is an overall dire package and their third album will bring no great change.
There is nothing worse than a band without a trace of danger about them and Idlewild are utterly safe within their lame and polite pop-rock that can’t offend anyone’s grandparents even. Welcome to the bland times, part X…
S. Punkerton
Pro: Idlewild reflect their time perfectly with music that is in part nu-acousto-wave, partially noisy guitar-pop with a doze of rocking licks. They could be the jewel of unexposed Kelt-scene as their current single, ‘You Hold The World In Your Arms’, masterfully demonstrates. They combine melodies with loud guitars, soaring vocals deliver emotionally charged lyrics, rocking with conviction…
This audience simply laps up every move by the band, adores every posture and word by the frontman, Roddy Woomble. They mosh on cue, listen attentively when repertoire demands it and express their appreciation vociferously. Idlewild have been around for some six years and have earned every grain of their (modest) success. There were no free rides here, no hype-machine in the seventh gear.
Their (so far) minor hits, ‘A Film For The Future’, ‘Everyone Says You Are So Fragile’, ‘I’m A Message’, ‘When I Argue I See Shapes’ or ‘Let Me Sleep (Next To The Mirror)’, are all gems that form a long, precious necklace. Their forthcoming album, ‘The Remote Part’, should establish them as genuine contenders, if there is any justice in the entertainment world.
Idlewild might not be the future of music but are certainly more charismatic than Travis and everyone knows where the other Scot-lot got. Woomble is a star overdue his ‘crown’.
Tour dates (remaining):
22 April - Waterfront, Norwich
23 April - Exeter Lemon Grove, Exeter
24 April - Anson Room, Bristol
26 April - Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton
28 April - Met. University, Leeds
29 April - Parr Hall, Warrington
30 April - Junction, Cambridge
01 May - University, Newcastle
03 May - Queens Hall, Edinburgh
SaschaS
21-4-2002
Idlewild’s single ‘You Held The World In Your Arms’ is released 22 April 2002 on Food
Idlewild’s album ‘The Remote Part’ is due out 08 July 2002 on Food
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