Something strange has obviously happened to Idlewild in the seven months since they released the brilliant 'When I Argue I See Shapes'. Namely, they've gone and turned into REM. No, really.
For Idlewild, this basically means they've turned down the volume and put the brakes on the madness. As you listen to Roddy Woomble's soothing angelic tones (ever noticed how much he sounds like Michael Stipe before?), you almost suspect Idlewild have somehow, suddenly become sensible.
But such is their greatness, you can have still have faith. 'Little Discourage' remains an almost perfect pop record that merely thrashes with a touch more restraint, snaps with a little less ferocity and goes and gets itself a more straightforward verse-chorus-verse blueprint to work from. It rocks, for sure. Just elegantly.
Siobhan Grogan
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