In 2002, Scottish band Idlewild released their seminal record The Remote Part. Before its release, the act swayed in the underground, securing a humble but infatuated fan-base. Hailing from Edinburgh, they would play small venues, spearheading a tiny revolution, rooting themselves into the indie scene. Their first two records were applauded too. Hope Is Important and 100 Broken Windows, were greeted with excitement and a booming reception.
It was The Remote Part which catapulted Idlewild from the fringes into a mainstream circuit that needed new blood and an album of such energy. The Remote Part was the pivotal stamp on the music scene, a colossal statement, proving Idlewild had come up with an opus flawless in its delivery. Songs of heartache and hardship laced it. Broken dreams were explored, angst-ridden lyricism sprinkled upon it generously.
Lead singer Roddy Woomble sprung up from the underground with venom in his words and grit in his voice. He’s a songwriter who dazzles and as the band behind play their instruments convincingly, he lets his vocals spread through them, never curdling the atmosphere. The intelligence exudes from lyricism created to evoke and to paint a picture, and on The Remote Part the band didn’t strip back.
By not stripping back or including half-hearted lyrics, Idlewild pressed on the pulse of great songwriting. Their songs are cathartic but there’s enough punch to keep us coming back to an album thoroughly emphatic and could be classed as being ‘groundbreaking’ for the rock scene. Yes, there have been many great records that have lit up the post-millennium, but The Remote Part has to be included in the long list.
Over the course of the album, songs intertwine to create remarkable stories. There are fast-paced wonders and solemn heart-pullers, maximising the record’s appeal. Opening track ‘You Held The World In Your Arms’ is rich in sweeping guitars and bluntness. It has become a cult hit among the faithful.
‘American English’ stretches the band’s musical muscle and lyrical play. Woomble sings softly when it opens, naturally lifting his vocals when he needs to. ‘Living In A Hiding Place’ is a raw affair, not musically abrasive, but loud enough to count. Woomble sings elegantly, letting his words catch us off guard. The chorus is rousing, perfectly composed and the acoustic guitar plays out adding dimension.
‘Scottish Fiction’ is the album’s swansong. It’s beautiful and sombre, conveying a sense of longing. There is even a snippet of famed poet Edwin Morgan’s words nestled in with blistering guitar work, showcasing a diverse and slightly haunting approach. It is Idlewild’s defining moment, a song of guts and soul.
There’s no denying Idlewild’s influence on the scene. They were playing their hearts out before the likes of Biffy Clyro threw the gauntlet and elevated beyond the line into a mainstream circuit bloated by many imitations. Thankfully, this band from the capital of Scotland, still play like they’re teenagers – angst-ridden and confronting authority. If you delve deeper into the writing, the content, you’ll understand that Idlewild are looking for answers to love’s written letter, hitting nerves and trying to escape the mundane life.
The Remote Part is a quality record. The attention to detail through brilliant instrumentals, through words which evoke and tell us stories of dark times, moments where the end seems near. All of these tracks manage to resonate, they all have a use for a rigid mind, a mind which needs to be cleaned out.
