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Idlewild-Hope Is Important
(Food)
You look at the warm-hued, nautical cover of the album and think Sarah Records or a namby-pamby Strangelove offshoot. But then you press play, or apply the needle respectively, and you realize you’re in for another matter entirely. Then you thank the band for it-immensely.
These Edinburgh noiseniks are Scotland’s greatest hope, indeed. They’re loud, chaotic, and have a firm foundation in both Roddy Woomble’s throat-havocing screams and guitars that sound like nails scraping across a blackboard. Okay, it’s not always that hard and it’s not always that ferocious, but it is always a dynamically potent release. Idlewild find no need for subtlety—they would much rather slap you in the face with their chaotic noisery found on tracks like "I’m A Message" and "Everyone Says You’re Fragile" than soothe you with aural lullabies. (Although there are a few "ballads" found on the debut, they aren’t too sappy or wimpy.)
Although there’s no hiding the band’s influences, there’s no reason to dwell on them either. Let’s just say that the members picked the great American guitar acts to lead them on their way. But Idlewild has also created something that is genuinely their own. And I seriously hope though that they’re not one of those bands loved by the press in 98, but ignored in 99, because they truly are fantastic. And one listen to "Hope Is Important" is the only proof you need of that. (DW)
Champiagn/Urbana - once filled with great guitar-laden bands like Poster Children and Hum. Now it’s a land filled with syntho-jazz combos that perform a mediocre blend of electronic wizardry and traditional compositions. At least they’re doing something different. But that different’s just not my thing. If you’re into Tortoise, Stereolab’s Krautrock tunes, and assorted Thrill Jockey bands—you’ll probably get into this then. (DW)
Oh, the days of shoegazing yore. Inner Sleeve, composed of ex-members of Slowdive and Chapterhouse, recalls the glory days of Ride and the beauty of "Nowhere", of crashing guitars, sweeping melodies and hazy tunes. Inner Sleeve takes me back to a time I look fondly on. When the love of music was the sole impetus for starting a band, when My Bloody Valentine and Sonic Youth were the bands everyone swore as influences. It’s a great six-song effort. Let the reemergence begin. (DW)
I’ll admit it. I was a bit disappointed upon first listen of "Orange Rhyming Dictionary". I wanted Jawbreaker revisited. But after I listened to this record a bunch, I became smitten with Jets To Brazil’s combination of punk rock and New Wave-Numan style. But regardless that this debut is a fine display of the band’s talent, I am certain there is much more to be offered. But until I hear that second output, "Orange Rhyming Dictionary" will keep me quite satisfied indeed. (DW)
I’ve been reading a lot of Jimmy Eat World reviews lately and what’s surprising is that people are criticizing their third release, saying "Clarity" is far too nice. Granted it is a nice record, especially in comparison to their first two lps, but I doubt the writers actually listened to the whole thing. Sure, the first few tracks, especially, the sweeping "Table For Glasses" and "Goodbye Sky Harbor", are serenely melodic. But strong catapults of emo guitar waves take over a number of others, like on the pop-kissed "Lucky Denver Mint", the punk-infused "Blister" and "Crush".
Okay "Clarity" is different and mellower than their last album, "Static Prevails", but not dramatically so. Sure, they’ve pretty much passed Tom Linton’s vocals aside in favor of the (sweeter) Jim Adkins’ , but they haven’t gotten all soft on us—not by a long shot. They’ve just perfectly mastered the incorporation of strings and keys into their guitar tunes.
Simply this is a magnificent effort from the Arizona band. And I just can’t get enough of it. (DW)
Rollerskate Skinny was a criminally underrated band and when they disbanded, I was heartbroken. So although I was temporarily placated when founding member Jimi Shields went on to form Lotus Crown, I was left cold as they never captured that dynamic found within RS’s records. But luckily Ken Griffin has recreated himself as Kid Silver. "Dead City Sunbeams" blends simple pop song constructions with his unique vocal styling and some digital wizardry. It’s a fantastic record. So run to the store, purchase this masterpiece, and listen to it loads. (DW)
Lilys, with the wacky Kurt Heasley at the helm, are back. And the band’s latest release is another kooky return trip back to Kinksville, one that kicks off with the fantastic "Dimes Makes Dollars".
Pop perfection, "The 3 Way" is a mix of Monkees, Beach Boys, Zombies, and all the good ‘uns. But even though it sounds far crisper than "Better Can Make Your Life Better", it doesn’t have as many as the instahits—The 3 Way is an album, rather than a collection of singles. But it’s as fun loving and silly (albeit extremely layered and complex) as Heasley himself.
Though to my dismay, the rumor is this is the last Lilys record. But let’s just hope that Kurt doesn’t give up music for good. He always has a tune in his head and it’s always a mind-bogglingly brilliant one too.(DW)
Lo-Fidelity Allstars is one of Britain’s greatest assets right now. The Brighton combo incorporates a techno ethic with an indie attitude and the effect is one of sheer brilliance. Essentially they’re dance music, but it’s a sort that appeals to the masses—even the most jaded trainspotters. Their 11 track debut long player combines hints of hip-hop, soul and funk with basic guitar stylings. Name a genre and they’ve got a bit of it in there. They’re simply amazing.(DW)
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Inlantic -S/T
(404 Records)
Inner Sleeve -Looking Up
(Fierce Panda)
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Jets To Brazil -Orange Rhyming Dictionary
(Jade Tree)
Jimmy Eat World - Clarity
(Capitol)
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Kid Silver -Dead City Sunbeams
(Jetset)
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Lilys,The 3-Way
(Sire)
Lo-Fidelity Allstars-How To Operate With A Blown Mind
(Columbia US, Skint UK)
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