Got me feeling mixed emotions
Idlewild's new album is called “Warnings/Promises” and I purchased it at Tower on Friday evening for $25. It was spur-of-the-moment, but I figured I may as well get it now and save myself 4-5 months of anticipation before it comes out in the US.
The verdict:
Not their best album. In fact, when all is said and done I'd probably say that it is their third best (they have four). The only reason I like it so much now is because I haven't listened to it hundreds of times (like I have 100 Broken Windows and The Remote Parts).
Much of the album is surprisingly sedate and jangley. Lots of strumming acoustic guitars atop layers of clean and distorted electric guitars. A lot of commercial potential here, as most of the less rockin' tracks are very radio-friendly.
However, the straight-ahead rock songs are really kind of a mess: 2 in particular. The album's third track, “I Want a Warning,” is barely listenable because of the squalling guitar aimlessly screeching in the background. Roddy Woomble (love that name) has some nice vocal melodies, but it really can't compete with that headache-inducing screeching. There's another song that isn't quite as harsh as “Warning,” but it's similarly jarring and I'm not a fan.
There are some really good songs here, though. The best one so far is “Not Sometimes But Always” which has some syrupy strings.
The good news is that Woomble is stronger than ever as a singer and especially as a songwriter. His lyrics have always been a bit ambiguous, but now they're more personal and emotionally resonant. Plus, I love his voice — the way it lilts and falls.
Idlewild have always been dodging REM comparisons. I, personally, have never really seen it. However, some of these songs are very “Losing My Religion” and now I can see it.
The album's first single, “Love Steals Us From Loneliness,” is quintessential Idlewild. If there ever was a typical song by this band, that would be it. However, it's the only song that is like it on the album.
I wouldn't rush out and buy the import — I'd save that for fanatics. But it's a solid buy, especially for people who've never purchased an Idlewild album before.