In true ‘us’ style we were late, (but hey, it’s a woman’s prerogative) and consequently missed the first support band, Aerogramme. But we hear they were very good, however they're pretty big in Germany and the Germans like David Hasselhoff! One day we will catch the first band (we're working up to it - but one step at a time!) but at the moment pubs and cheap drinks distract us too easily.
The second support band was Ikara Colt. We’ve heard them on the Evening Session quite a bit, got a few songs on free compilation CD’s and were pretty impressed by their unique and distinctive sound but we have to say they were actually pretty pants in ‘real life’- or at least on this particular night they were. But we all have off days don’t we? Maybe this was one of theirs- well we can only hope. As usual they played Sink Venice last, (maybe its time they changed their setlist) the rest of the songs are a bit of a mystery though – they clashed with our talking to Bob time (and his running away from us time - It's the hOOchy* effect!!)
Its 9:30 and a video of hills, trees and various other types of shrubbery start’s to play on the 12ft screen on stage, shortly followed by the emergence of the foursome, no wait…. what’s this, a new member? God help us they’re multiplying. Obviously 4 people don't do good enough. Another guitarist (and quite a nice on at that) is now hanging with the cream of the Scottish crop and he goes by the name of Allan from the Glasgow based band Desalvo (although not sure if he’s new or just temporary, it was Jeremy last time, maybe they get bored easily, I dunno) Right so…. The Scottish Five some(!) strut across the stage and burst into Captain. Quite a disappointing start really. Not with regards to Captain, but just because there was no big build up, no anticipation, just a poxy little video which played for barely 10 seconds before Idlewild came out. Yeah ok so it can be a wee bit annoying when the lights go down and the walk out music goes on for ages and ages before the band actually show their faces, but at least it gets you excited. Anyway, Captain, what a good start eh? And different too. Idlewild are renowned for finishing off with Captain, maybe starting with it was a way to show they are here to do something new or maybe it was to show the old Idlewild we all once knew and loved are back to kick some ass, and what better way to show that than by kicking of with Captain.
As the set progresses its clear that they're here there to do something new. A lot of the new stuff is quite mellow sounding and very chart friendly, American English being one of them . Most of the songs played was their best known stuff from 100 Broken Windows including Little Discourage, Rosabilty, These Wooden Ideas, Idea Track, Rusty and the old favourite from Hope Is Important- When I Argue I see Shapes. Including some not so well known songs like I'm Happy to Be Here Tonight, I am What I am Not, A Film for the Future, Stay the Same and I'm a Message together with their newie You Held The World in Your Arms. But we have to say that not playing Everyone Says Your so Fragile or Actually it's Darkness is virtually a crime.
Roddy seemed to have a bit of microphone trouble and accidently knocked it over and it hit a security person over the head – the poor lad. We were being attacked by some strange drunken bloke next to us who found it necessary to hug us after every song and then subsequently hit us by waving his arms about. during every song, but it kinda cancelled itself out so it was okay- well that’s mosh pits for you.
They end with a song which isn’t theirs. Don’t know whose it was but I’m not convinced ending your set with a song that isn’t yours is the best thing to do. Surely you'd want to go out on a high note with a song everyone loves.
Idlewild have definitely grown as a band over the last year and a half. Roddy sounds like he has been investing in a few singing lessons 'cos he can sing now (always a good thing when your lead vocals), he sang note perfect but didn’t scream in good old Idlewild style, consequently he lacked a bit of of energy and quite frankly they all looked a bit bored– (its like the end of an era). But on a good note, we always find that at Idlewild gigs the guitars drown our Roddy’s voice and it can be difficult to distinguish one song from the next, but this time Roddy seemed to be much more confident and was able to sing out and actually be heard. Nice one.
Rocking or Shocking?
Rocking. 
4/5. The Bronze Medal? Nah, we’ll give them the Gold Medal. (See we can be nice! One day you will all be forgiven!).
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