MVM approved rockers get a Bernard love-in
A while back I got followed by a band on Twitter. I get quite a few of these, presumably as a result of sites I interact with. I always follow them back and then check out the music and I’ve discovered a few decent artists in this way. However one of these stands out above all of the others, as it completely floored me when I listened to their music. That band was Idlewar.
I bought their ‘Dig In’ EP (which is brilliant and highly recommended) and I’ve championed their cause wherever I can.
News that an album was coming wetted my appetite and now their first UK tour is also on the cards, when they tour with Stone Broken later in the year, finishing up at Rockstock.
The Band comprises James Blake on bass and vocals, Rick Graham on guitar and Pete Pagonis on drums. I’m sure these guys won’t mind me saying that they are not youngsters and quite how they have stayed off everyone’s radar until now is surprising. James and Rock have played together for some ten years but it was when they linked up with fellow LA resident Pete in 2014 that the magic started to happen. The previously mentioned ‘Dig In’ EP got great reviews and this provided the impetus leading to the new album.
Lead track off the album, ‘Criminal’, was released a few weeks ago and it rocks, with a riff and backbeat to get the toes tapping and the head nodding (neither good when driving!). Well you will be pleased to know that a song as great as this isn’t even the best track here. The ten track album opens with ‘Stone In My Heel’. It’s an abrasive song that gets the listeners attention from the off and musically echoes early Clutch. This crashes to a halt before ‘Soul’ launches with a riff that will melt speakers. The musical interlude in the middle provides the launch pad for a great solo which like the others on the album, is concise and to the point – no twiddly shredding here. Track 3 is ‘Criminal’ which should be familiar to all by now and if it isn’t, then why not? ‘All That I’ve Got’ is the closest thing on the album to a ballad. This slower tempo track has a Soundgarden influence in its structure. It also features a faultless vocal performance from James and its here that the singing needs a mention. He’s really raised his game and delivered ten knock-out performances. ‘Innocent’ opens with a machine gun riff that is all too brief before the band join in. The song drives along at a furious pace and is sure to be a live highlight. ‘Glory’ opens with drums and then guitars, reminiscent of Montrose’s ‘Rock Candy’. It’s another gem and it’s followed by ‘Apathy’, which is one thing this Band doesn’t have. It’s a brilliant track with another of those to die for riffs underpinned by the thunderous rhythm section. ‘Damage’ is the start of the home straight, followed by penultimate track ‘Burn All This’, which is particularly powerful. Closing track ‘On Our Knees’ is probably the best thing here. Like some of the other music on the album, it almost has a touch of ‘Powerage’ era AC/DC. This song is the essence of the band in four minutes – the riff, the pounding rhythm section, impassioned vocals and a catchy chorus. The whole album sounds great, so hats off to drummer Pete Pagonis as he’s the guilty party. His production has managed to give everything room to breathe, with the musicians having their own space. For an aggressive rock record, there is warmth to the sound that makes it surprisingly easy on the ear.
So this is Idlewar. They have the talent, they have the experience, they obviously have the songs and if they have a live show to match, then we are all in for a treat.
10/10
THE ALBUM RELEASES ON 30TH SEPTEMBER
