Idlewild | History of the Band

The 90s Evolution of Scotland’s Alt-Rock Underdogs

Few bands embodied the restless energy of 90s alternative rock quite like Idlewild. Hailing from Edinburgh, Scotland, the band began as a raw, unfiltered burst of punk-inspired chaos before refining their sound into something far more expansive and melodic. While often overlooked in broader conversations about the decade’s music, their journey—from scrappy indie upstarts to polished rock craftsmen—offers a fascinating window into the evolution of alternative music at the turn of the millennium.

Formation and Early Years

Idlewild’s origins trace back to December 1995, when vocalist Roddy Woomble and drummer Colin Newton met at a party in Edinburgh. Bonding over their shared love of American indie and punk rock, they soon teamed up with guitarist Rod Jones and bassist Phil Scanlon. The name "Idlewild" was lifted from Anne of Green Gables, referencing a secluded meeting place in the novel—a curiously tranquil name for a band whose early live shows were anything but calm.

Their first gig took place at Edinburgh’s Subway Club on January 16, 1996, a chaotic affair that hinted at their unhinged punk energy. Early comparisons to acts like Hüsker Dü and Sonic Youth were well-earned, as their initial sound was a jagged, whirlwind mix of distortion and barely-contained fury.

Musical Style and Evolution

Idlewild’s first recordings and performances were scrappy, fast, and loud—earning them an early reputation for barely keeping their songs together. NME famously described them as "the sound of a flight of stairs falling down a flight of stairs." However, as they honed their songwriting and gained confidence, their sound evolved. The band began weaving melody into their chaotic bursts of noise, drawing comparisons to bands like R.E.M. and The Replacements. By the end of the decade, they had shed much of their punk rawness in favor of a more layered, alternative rock sound.

Discography and Notable 90s Albums

Captain (1998)

Initially intended as a single, Captain grew into a six-song mini-album recorded in October 1997 with producer Paul Tipler (known for his work with Stereolab and Elastica). Released via Deceptive Records, the record captures Idlewild at their most feral—restless, jagged, and brimming with youthful abandon. It found favor in the British music press, with Melody Maker, NME, and Kerrang! all championing its reckless energy.

Hope Is Important (1998)

Their first full-length album, Hope Is Important, marked a transitional phase for Idlewild. Released on Food Records (home to Blur), it retained their punk ferocity but introduced stronger melodies and more refined structures. Singles like "A Film for the Future" and "When I Argue I See Shapes" showcased this shift, balancing energy with a growing sense of songcraft. While still rough around the edges, the album hinted at greater ambitions.

100 Broken Windows (2000)

Though released in early 2000, much of 100 Broken Windows was written and developed throughout 1999, making it a crucial part of their 90s story. Produced by Dave Eringa (Manic Street Preachers), the album was a game-changer. Tracks like "Little Discourage" and "These Wooden Ideas" blended anthemic choruses with introspective lyrics, earning the band widespread acclaim. Many critics consider it their defining work, often calling it "the missing link between Nirvana and R.E.M."

Critical Reception

Idlewild quickly became darlings of the British press. While early reviews fixated on their raw energy, later assessments praised their growth. NME and Melody Maker were particularly enthusiastic, with the latter declaring 100 Broken Windows "one of the best British indie albums of its era."

Across the Atlantic, however, they remained a cult act. While U.S. outlets like Pitchfork and Spin acknowledged their talent, they struggled to break into the mainstream American alt-rock scene dominated by the likes of Radiohead and Foo Fighters.

Influence and Legacy

Idlewild’s journey through the 90s positioned them as one of the great "almost famous" bands—beloved by those who knew them, but never quite achieving household name status. However, their influence is evident in many bands that followed, particularly within the UK indie and alternative rock scenes. Acts like Frightened Rabbit and We Were Promised Jetpacks have cited Idlewild as an inspiration, drawn to their mix of energy and melody.

As the 90s closed, bassist Phil Scanlon had already left the band (replaced by Bob Fairfoull), and their sound was shifting further toward radio-friendly alternative rock. Though their biggest commercial successes would come in the 2000s, their 90s work remains essential for understanding their evolution.

Idlewild’s 90s arc is a testament to artistic evolution. From scrappy, chaotic punk beginnings to polished alternative rock, their journey encapsulates the restless energy of the decade. For those who love discovering under-the-radar gems from the era, revisiting their early work offers a rewarding look at a band that continually pushed itself to evolve, always balancing the raw with the refined.

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Sources:

• Idlewild (band) - Wikipedia

• Idlewild | Encyclopedia.com

• Idlewild Songs, Albums, Reviews, Bio & More - AllMusic

• Idlewild - A Modern Way

• Idlewild - A review

• ReDiScover: Idlewild / In Depth // Drowned In Sound

• Idlewild - MusicBrainz