Roddy Woomble - The Duchess, York - 13th March 2012 (Live Review)
Monday, 26 March 2012
Written by Ben Bland
Idlewild frontman Roddy Woomble has been furrowing an alternative path into folk music for a number of years now. Thus it is no surprise that, with Idlewild currently on hiatus, Woomble is devoting plenty of time to his solo work. Last year’s full-length 'The Impossible Song & Other Songs' was a delicately poised collection of joyous indie folk tunes and Woomble has since spent much of his time on the road to promote it, prompting another visit to York tonight.
Before Roddy and his supporting musicians take to the stage there is a low-key slot by local act Pelico to entertain attendees at The Duchess. Their cheery acoustic led songs are a welcome warm-up for the main attraction and are well-received as result. However it is clear who most of the crowd are here for when Roddy and his band make their low-key entrance. Think less a sea of raucous cheering and more a wave of polite applause followed by respectful silence.
Opening with a stirring rendition of 'The Impossible Song…' highlight 'Work like You Can' proves a popular move. Sitting to the left hand side of the stage on his lonesome while bassist Gavin Fox, guitarist Sorren Maclean and pianist/violinist Seonaid Aitken take up chairs on the other side, Woomble cuts a relaxed and content figure. Anyone who has seen Idlewild play over the last few years will be familiar with the singer’s laid back approach to live performance and his comfy in-between song words are as much a part of that as his vocals which, as ever, are the soothing aural equivalent of melting butter.
Moving through a set that borrows predominantly from 'The Impossible Song…' but also takes choice cuts from his first solo records, notably the fantastic 'Waverley Steps', this is a selection which is hazily enjoyable and passes by speedily. Arguably the best audience reception is saved, predictably, for 'You Held the World in Your Arms', which sounds as good in this setting as it has done at any Idlewild show for some time.
It’s clear from the expression on his, seemingly eternally youthful, face that Roddy Woomble means every word when he thanks the audience for their attendance. Seeing him on this stage performing this music somehow seems perfectly right, just like Idlewild did in their heyday. Evenings like this are to be treasured for their simple pleasure.
Roddy Woomble is on tour across the UK again later this year. Dates are available at www.roddywoomble.com
'The Impossible Song & Other Songs' is out now.
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Before Roddy and his supporting musicians take to the stage there is a low-key slot by local act Pelico to entertain attendees at The Duchess. Their cheery acoustic led songs are a welcome warm-up for the main attraction and are well-received as result. However it is clear who most of the crowd are here for when Roddy and his band make their low-key entrance. Think less a sea of raucous cheering and more a wave of polite applause followed by respectful silence.
