IDLEWILD are the indie Scottish five-piece who sound like the offspring of Ash and Monster-era REM, championed by Radio1 when it still played bands who weren’t born on TV talent shows, and second album 100 Broken Windows has dated little since its original release.
Opening track and standout A Little Discourage is a furious anthem, setting the pace and style of the album- catchy, singalong chorus, driving, guitar-led melody, and dark, economic production.
A second disc justifies the special edition label, with B-sides, demos and live versions galore. Best of these are B-sides, A-Tone and There’s Glory In Your Story, although the interview with an American radio host before a performance is cringe-inducing, but enjoyable listening.
Also included are brand-new sleevenotes from lead singer Roddy Woomble, explaining the history behind the extra tracks, making this a fascinating, if not essential, buy.
* Roddy Woomble plays The Duchess, York, on March 30.
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