Idlewild / Heads On Stix - Exeter Phoenix Arts Centre - 5/9/02
4/5
By: Thomas Hannan
If Idlewild ever play a venue this small again, something will have gone horribly - unfairly wrong. Despite tonight's show having had no promotion bar word of mouth and a few posters up around the city, the tiny Phoenix Arts Centre is packed to bursting point for the indie hopefuls turned rock megastars, and they witness a truly vintage Idlewild performance.
For currently unsigned local young trio Heads On Stix, landing such a prestigious support slot has provided them with possibly the biggest gig of their lives so far. The fact that the female fronted three-piece of Anna Jones, Jake Dunkley and Tom Drakett seem to be on first name terms with near enough everyone in the crowd matters little, as anyone from their closest friends to complete strangers would find it impossible not to be bowled over by their rather captivating mix of rock and post hardcore. For ones so young (most of the band barely 18), tackling such a genre may seem over-ambitious, but their musical competence and flair for fantastic tunes effortlessly brush aside any such concern - the excellent 'Rebirth' has future anthem written all over it... This is a band the phrase 'ones to watch' was invented for.
And, for a long time, Idlewild themselves were branded with such a tag, and whilst they always remained promising, took longer than some expected to truly come into their own. If any evidence was needed that such a time had finally arrived, then it comes in the shape and songs of the five men who shuffle on stage tonight, charging straight into a fantastic '(I Am) What I Am Not'.
This is the second time that the 'Wild have visited Exeter this year. 'It's always a pleasure,' beams a talkative Roddy Woomble, who goes on to thank the gathering for their patience during the new songs. Well, patience is not something they need thanking for, rather, note should go to the rapturous reception that their more recent work receives. Comparisons to The Smiths and R.E.M. are welcome ones, but - live - Idlewild have always had so many more dimensions than any impressions their albums may give. Having just released their finest effort yet, it's a joy to see that even these quality compositions such as 'You Held The World In Your Arms' are already evolving whilst at the same time not alienating a single person, the first single from 'The Remote Part' sending an oven-like Phoenix all jumping for the ceiling.
Whilst the new songs may display Idlewild at their best, there's a strong contingent present who still hold dear material from way back when they basically made their living from jumping around and shouting a lot. Not that there isn't any of that on display this evening - even during the slowest of tunes bassist Bob Fairfoull's head still bounces around like it's on an uncontrollable spring. Oddly, although there are chants for it, Roddy announces there will be 'nothing off 'Captain' this evening' to most people's disappointment, but we are treated instead to top-notch renditions of 'When I Argue I See Shapes', a manic 'A Film For The Future' and an always welcome duet between Woomble and guitarist Rod Jones on 'I'm Happy To Be Here Tonight', a tune once debuted live in the very same city.
Even though they possess a strong body of work, even the magic of their old show stopper 'Roseability' pales into mediocrity when placed near 'American English'. Quite simply, the recent single has become their signature tune, their 'Wonderwall', 'Common People' or 'This Is A Low'. Made even better by the fact that Roddy can actually now hit the high note effortlessly, it shows a maturity light-years away from the likes of 'Satan Polaroid', but still equally as essential and vibrant. Next comes a short wait, a fantastic three song encore climaxing in 'The Remote Part's title track, a few waves, many thanks and it ends.
The lack of venues of a decent size in the area means Idlewild may not be returning soon (if ever again), but those present in Exeter tonight should go home happy in the knowledge they've seen them at their peak - the time when they have the look, the presence and the tunes, but still are just about able to get away with playing somewhere so small. All that remains now is for them to go supernova.
Photo-Credit: James Faherty
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