Idlewild
100 Broken Windows
Capitol
These Scottish boys hit the American soil with a resounding crash and wail. There’s a strength to these songs that leaves other bands floundering in a fog. At moments they hit a shoegazing stride that conjures up some of the best moments of Swervedriver, and at other moments you just get lost in the power and passion, pulling in a ferocity like the New Model Army up in arms again. There’s a beauty that moves from the anger and rawness to the heartwrenching chords of the album’s finale, “The Bronze Medal.” A song that pulls on a voice that moves between Michael Stipe and Morrissey, and it still hits you hard. Through influence and inspiration, honesty shines through.
Capitol Records, 1750 Vine Street, Hollywood, CA 90028; http://www.hollywoodandvine.com
