Idlewild at The Ironworks, Inverness 25/11/2015. A review.
Idlewild can be considered as something of a regular act up in these parts, having played at the Ironworks, Strathpeffer Pavillion and Belladrum over the last few years. Not forgetting Roddy Woomble’s occasional ventures North with his solo material. However there was no sign of Idlewild-fatigue last night as a decent sized crowd filled the venue in anticipation of the second date of the band’s Acoustic/Electric tour.
we’re treated to the softer side of Idlewild
Starting off with ‘Acoustic Idlewild’, the band cluster together close to the front of the stage, all seated apart from a restless Woomble who remains standing. Gently warming us up on this Wednesday evening we’re treated to the softer side of Idlewild. Unsurprisingly this works rather well, the band has never been shy of showing their softer side amongst their more raucous material. Tracks like ‘In Remote/Scottish Fiction’ sound sublime, the addition of the violin by Hannah Fisher giving an extra layer of depth and substance. I know our photographer disagrees with me here, but I felt that ‘American English’ benefited from the acoustic treatment and had me spellbound for the duration of that song.
Electric Idlewild upped the ante by a gear or ten and showed that they weren’t quite ready to mellow out with age or time. At times this was very much guitarist Rod Jones’ show, he’s utterly absorbed in what he does and plays with a huge amount of passion and emotion.
the singer seems positively reserved, even shy, at times
Woomble seems happy to cede the stage to Jones, stepping to the side and giving the guitarist free reign to express himself while he watches on with the odd wry smile playing across his face. In fact the singer seems positively reserved, even shy, at times. Tending to stand side on to the stage and only really loosening up towards the end of the set where a few additional twitches and turns begin to come to the fore.
It’s a credit to the band that the older songs don’t sound at all dated and are easily the equal to the current crop of wannabes out there at the moment. ‘Roseability’ is punchy and delivered with aplomb whilst tracks from new(ish!) album ‘Everything Ever Written’ are easily on a par with anything from ‘100 Broken Windows’. In particular ‘Collect Yourself’ switches from quiet, loud, quiet… and keeps everyone on their toes. ‘Little Discourage’ and ‘I See Shapes…’ are played at a blistering pace and the Ironworks are treated to a superb performance from a band who show no signs of calling it a day anytime soon and the Scottish music scene is all the better for it.
They of course close the evening off with ‘You Held the World In Your Arms’. The main guitar melody is replaced by Hannah Fisher’s violin and gives it a Levellers-esque vibe but it works and again shows the band have depth and character to spare. The band amble off to rapturous applause promising to come back soon, and that’s quite likely a promise they’ll easily keep.
Wednesday’s gig was also being recorded for an upcoming live album to be released at some point next year. So if you were there last night keep your eyes peeled for ‘Idlewild – Live in 2015’ , you might have been part of Idlewild recording history.
