Idlewild - Make Another World

Never mind ‘Make Another World’, it’s a bit surprising that Scot longstays Idlewild have made another album. Sheesh, some people probably don’t even remember that once upon a time they used to rock rather than make rock(ing) chair anthems. It’s been scribbled down time and time again, but Roddy Woomble and co used to make a right ace racket. Ah, nostalgia.

And while no ‘Hope Is Important’, ‘Make Another World’ does attempt to pick up the pace and inject a bit of life in to the flailing group’s career. ‘Everything (As It Moves)’ still has earnest vocal tremors, but they’re tucked in amongst a vibrant background that reaches a powerful climax. ‘No Emotion’ and ‘If It Takes You Home’ even have a bit of that twitchy pop thing going on. There are backing vocals that pipe away, and woah oh oh bits and everything! Throw in a bit more synthesiser and they’ll probably be lauded as kings of nu-something or other. It’s a brave attempt at something new, but isn’t entirely convincing.

And, alas, their reign is well and truly overthrown by the dodgy dirges that infest another portion of the album. It’s all a bit Snow Patrol. But it shouldn’t be. Idlewild were flying the flag for Scottish rock long before Gary Lightbody and co decided to be famous (Yes, we know Snow Patrol aren’t bona fide Scottish, but neither are Franz Ferdinand - Ed). ‘Once In Your Life’, for example, is a zero effort track with a droning chorus, and there’s a guitar solo that should never have left the practice room. Unnecessary and over-long, it, along with the title track drags the album in to the depths of the mediocre.

Maybe sometime soon, Idlewild will be off the life support machine. While not a full recovery, ‘Make Another World’ is a shot of adrenaline at least.