O2 Forum Kentish Town – April 26, 2019 – Idlewild and Liela Moss
“We were first here 19 years ago.” – Roddy Woomble, Idlewild
The admiration shared by the night’s performers, Idlewild and Liela Moss, was expressed in no uncertain terms. “Prepare yourselves, these guys are going to be f***ing great” was Liela Moss’s clear warning/promise – as if anyone needed telling!
Fitting for a tour to promote their latest record, Idlewild opened with Interview Music‘s opening track, Dream Variations. It sounded incredibly layered and compelling live. In fact, the new tracks all played well, speaking to the band’s continuing vitality and versatility.
Still, after over two decades together, their back catalogue is extensive and truly loved. The collective gasps and grins caused by the opening chords of 2000 single Roseability were a joy to behold. Singer Roddy Woomble’s impish grin as he witnessed that reaction said it all.
With barely time to draw breath, Idlewild cannoned into another fan favourite, You Held The World In Your Arms.
The pattern of shock and awesome continued throughout the electric show. 24 years on and guitarist Rod Jones still threw himself around the stage while the fans thronged on the dance floor, pogoing to tracks like A Little Discourage.
Admittedly, Woomble’s stage presence has changed markedly since the early days of wild punk-fuelled exuberance which could see him leaping into the crowd and throwing shoes.
His current habit of thoughtfully pacing around the stage, retreating to the shadows to watch and showcase his bandmates whenever there was a break in his lyrical duties, is much more similar to his serene bearing as a solo performer.
In a world of ego-driven rock stars, there is something endearing and compelling about his quieter way.
However, Woomble’s compelling vocal and commitment to Idlewild’s music remained fresh and fierce. He and the band held the crowd in thrall, compelling them to spontaneously chant as if demanding an encore while only five songs in.
Later, the unprompted singalong to American English was life affirming. That touches on one of the enticing contradictions of Idlewild. While often louder and boisterous than their musical contemporaries, their lyrics were markedly literate and esoteric. So that’s how we ended up with 2,000 people lustily singing transcendental lyrics influenced by John Keats and Walt Whitman.
Truth be told, it wasn’t entirely perfect. Two crimes were committed that night. Firstly, the photographers were made to leave the venue during the masterfully controlled cacophony of I Am What I Am Not. [You’d better believe that I’d run round and made it back inside by the second chorus].
Secondly, talented fiddle player Hannah Fisher, a mainstay of Womble’s solo tours, was relegated to the back of the stage. That’s definitely illegal in several countries. At least it did lead to some otherworldly moments as her angelic vocals floated around the space, and joy as fans that couldn’t see her cheered to learn of her presence when her name was announced.
Nothing could dampen the unbridled joy of a world-class show. Understanding the dedication of their fans, the band were sure to include deeper, older cuts. There was surprise verging on disbelief to hear such classic tracks as Everyone Says You’re So Fragile and When I Argue I See Shapes.
After a triumphant gig like this, imagine how good the 25th anniversary commemorations shows will be. See you down the front!
“I have a record. Obviously. I’d be stupid not to tell you about it!”– Liela Moss
Liela Moss of The Duke Spirit sauntered out like a photographer’s dream, throwing exquisite shapes with every beat. Like a lower-register, sultry Bjork, her voice created sonic landscapes emerging ethereally from the dry ice and blinding lights.
The band played diligently, accepting that all eyes were on their beguiling lead singer. Idlewild and Liela Moss were decidedly different in tone and sound, but that was no bad thing. Support slots should be about showcasing and discovery.
The Idlewild and Liela Moss tour continues until May 5, 2019.
Check out musiccloseup.com for more music, news, and photography!
Discover more from Music Closeup
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.