Idlewild
“Warnings/Promises”
Anyone wondering what happened to R.E.M. should seek out Idlewild. The Scots capably capture all the things that made Athens, Ga.’s best a great band, including singer Roddy Woomble’s self-consciously poetic lyrics and very Stipe-like delivery as well as the delicate balance between post-punk rough edges and gentle acoustic grace. “Welcome Home” might worry wimpiness-averse rock fans, but the noise of “Too Long Awake” should set their minds at ease just as the anthemic “Goodnight” will likely have them humming along.
Best track: “The Space Between All Things” encapsulates the vibe and spirit of the late, great college rock era of cool, mysterious UK import singles.
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Edited by Curt Wagner ([email protected]) and Kris Karnopp ([email protected])