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| Summary: Scottish rockers deliver their magnum opus. Yes, it really is that good. |
Idlewild in a nutshell: straightforward, melodic pop rock, with interesting AND meaningful lyrics. Make Another World is a supreme example of a band at their best. ‘In Competition for the Worst Time’s three chord riff is as simple as they come, but Roddy Woomble’s lyrics are, as ever, brilliant. No clichés. No waxing lyrical. ‘Everything as It Moves’ deals with disappointment and failure to meet up to expectations whilst juxtaposing the subject with rousing chord changes and lead lines played underneath the chorus. The title track is one of the band’s lighter moments; a gorgeously flowing song based around a simple four note melody with reflective lyrics, again concerning inner personal strife.
‘If It Takes You Home’ harks back to the punkier Idlewild days, with a driving riff played through crunching distortion. The song goes on for longer than it needs to and is the weakest song here, but being framed by ‘Make Another World’ and ‘Future Works’ doesn’t help it. ‘Future Works’ is Idlewild trying something new, and comes of superbly. A glorious trumpet melody lightly punctuates floating arpeggios and strangely uplifting lyrics. The reason that the band’s lyrics and melodies are being mentioned so much here is simple; they deserve to be. Simple and effective, heartfelt and always flowing. ‘We couldn’t find the rivers and mountains, they were not on the map, but true places never are; they’re only inside you and me’. Beautiful.
With ‘Once In Your Life’ we are treated to a rare Idlewild guitar solo. Based around a slow, crunching riff, the song keeps a slow pace throughout, meandering between light and heavy, featuring a soaring chorus and two lovely guitar leads/solos transposing ‘hope’. Nothing blisteringly technical, but Idlewild aren’t about that; they are about getting the most out of simplicity and feeling. What’s more, Idlewild do not stick to the standard ‘verse chorus verse chorus bridge chorus’ routine; they just change it when it suits the song. Another solo guides the track to the end, again focused around developing the song’s beautiful melody. The best track on the album ends, leaving the finale to ‘Finished It Remains’.
With this album, Idlewild have taken the best from Warnings/Promises, 100 Broken Windows and The Remote Part and skillfully blended it into a simple yet scrumptious offering. Accessible yet in some ways complex, and both melodic and emotional, if you haven’t yet tried Idlewild, then grab a copy of this. You won’t be disappointed.
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Album Rating: 2.5
Eh, this is their worst album.
Digging: David Bowie - "Heroes" | | | Album Rating: 3.5
Mmmmm.
This is a disappointing album for me, especially considering their 3 previous albums were all completely brilliant.
But i'm pleased you like it.
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