Sometime in the dim and distant mid nineties, after the demise of Nirvana and as a direct rebuttal of the Britpop wars that marked the charts a band came kicking and screaming out of Scotland that so impressed tastemaker Steve Lemacq that he put out a request for anyone who knew the band to contact him. As Idlewild reach their mid teens they have grown out of their art punk roots to become one of the most steadfast alternative bands from this side of the atlantic. Often labelled the British REM they have grown into an adolescent maturity that has seen them meld the trademark feedback squalls to more laconic country and folk melodies.
Having departed from the world of major record labels the band have busied themselves recording a new studio album, and kept their hand in in the live arena with a fan stunning residency at Glasgow's King Tut's Wah Wah Hut that saw them play their entire back catalogue for rabid fans. Following on from triumphant turns at both Camden Crawl and The Great Escape the band have replicated this residency at London's Dingwalls venue, adding the performance of their new album in it's entirety to sweeten the deal.
'King Tut's was thoroughly enjoyable,' states singer Roddy Woomble, 'and although none of us are too interested in always playing entire albums, at the moment it seems a lot of people want to hear our songs done in this way. It's always the songs that we dismiss that seem to go down the best. 'close the door' and 'lowlight' from hope is important are two examples.' Indeed the return to sweatbox venues seems to have reinvigorated the band to such an extent that recent shows have been listed amongst their best ever. 'I'm aware of the charms of a sweatbox, and have no problem playing in them. We're a band of realists, so if we can't play in music halls, we're happy in a sweatbox.' Adds Roddy considering this return to their roots.
The chance to see new material in intimate surrounds has delighted fans, and revisiting their old material has created an excitement that seems to have translated to the new album. Idlewild give the impression, both in their relationships with fans and they way in which they interact of an extended family. Something apt for a band who have shepherded many music fans from adolescence to adulthood. This is reflected in their choice of producer Dave Eringa who has worked with the band for the majority of their studio albums. 'Dave understands the band very well, and he works quickly, and the in a way we're very comfortable with. So if you only have a specific time and budget to work with, he was the best option for us. Dave is also a friend, so it's good fun to be in the studio with him.' Reflecting on the new material and the comparisons the band have drawn in online blogs Roddy has repeatedly mentioned the influence of time spent in the United States and the comminality of natural references in Idlewild lyrics. Questioned about this Roddy notes, 'The mountain quota is minimal. There are a few island references, but it wouldn't be an idlewild album otherwise! The US theme was a lot more general, and more musical to be honest. Neil Young, the Byrds, Wilco, Pearl Jam, that kind of thing.' In fact Pearl Jam is a common theme as he continues, 'I'm happy with the REM comparison, although I think we're very different bands. I think these days we're more Pearl Jam than REM.'
When spending time away from the Idlewild fold Roddy has recorded as a solo artist as well as turning his hand to regular columnist for Scotland's Sunday Herald where he has revealed a fascination with food. 'I think with food, the simpler the better. Italians have it right, all about quality ingredients. I like a lot of Scottish food - peat smoked haddock, kale and new potatoes - you can't go wrong with that. An idlewild rider is very plain - beer, red wine, a bottle of good whiskey, some fruit, crisps & nuts and a hot meal. And plenty of water.' he notes. Though despite these distractions it seems there is very little that can distract from the draw of being in Idlewild again with a new album and new shows hinting at a vibrancy within the band that may have been questionable in previous years. 'I think we've always written good songs, and played them well and with enthusiasm. There's an honesty to the band that people relate to. A lot of people have grown up listening to the band, and it feels good to be a part of peoples lives.' Concludes Roddy reflecting on what exactly keeps drawing Idlewild back to what they do best. Simply making great music.
Idlewild play Dingwalls tonight and Thursday
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