Idlewild are to freeze all projects after their current tour.

Idlewild put all projects on hold. The band announced the break on Facebook pinpointing lack of ‘demand’ for the decision. “At the end of this final part of the tour we will have played 40 gigs around the UK and Ireland in support of [new album] ‘Post Electric Blues’, which seems more than enough for some time,” wrote Roddy Woomble. “There isn’t the demand for our music that there was in the past, especially not outside of Britain, so it seems after this year it’s an appropriate time to take a break, a ‘hiatus’ or whatever you want to call it.” Scottish rockers Idlewild formed in Edinburgh in late 1995, originally comprising singer Roddy Woomble, guitarist Rod Jones, bassist Phil Scanlon, and drummer Colin Newton. A year of steady touring preceded the release of the band’s 1997 Human Condition label debut single, “Queen of the Troubled Teens,” which immediately found favor with Radio 1 DJ Steve Lamacq; the media exposure brought Idlewild to the attention of Fierce Panda, which agreed to issue their sophomore effort, “Chandelier” (their first record with new bassist Bob Fairfoull). A mini-album, Captain, followed on Deceptive in early 1998, and as word spread of their chaotic live shows, the group signed to Food to release Hope Is Important in late October. 100 Broken Windows followed in early 2001 with a subsequent U.S. tour early that spring. The next year, Idlewild issued The Remote Part. “American English” and “You Held the World in Your Arms” were massive hits in Europe, making the album Idlewild’s most successful album to date. While touring Europe in fall 2002 in support of their third album, founding bassist Bob Fairfoull was suddenly kicked out of the band. Guitar technician Alex Grant stepped in to fill his shoes for the remaining European dates. Gavin Fox (bass) and Allen Stewart (guitar) were added permanently to the band in 2003, just prior to the American release of The Remote Part in March. Warnings/Promises followed in 2005. Fox left the band the following spring and was replaced by former Astrid bassist Gareth Russell. Woomble made his solo debut with My Secret Is My Silence. It was released in the U.K. in July 2006. Idlewild’s fifth full-length album, Make Another World, was released the following year. It was their first release on the newly rejuvenated Sequel label.

Rogues release ‘Widows’ EP

Following the release of their lauded 2009 single ‘Not So Pretty’ and fresh from the summer festival circuit playing the BBC Introducing Stage at Glastonbury, V Festival and the Isle of Wight Festival, Harrow based Rogues return this November with a four track EP entitled ‘Widows’. Hailing from North West London, Rogues are brothers Pearse MacIntyre (guitar/vocals), John Continue reading →

The Xcerts plans for their next single

THE XCERTS’ story began around the turn of the century when then 13-year-olds Murray MacLeod (vocals, guitar) and Jordan Smith (bass, vocals) met in the headmaster’s office of their school in Aberdeen. In 2006 they relocated to Brighton and met drummer and Exeter exile Tom Heron, where the line-up of THE XCERTS was finalised. After a barrage of dates with Future of the left, Bat for Lashes, Biffy Clyro, Make Model, Cage the Elephant, Brakes, Get Cape.Wear Cape. Fly and Fighting with Wire and recent supports with Enter Shikari and Feeder, THE XCERTS are gearing up for recording their debut full length album late summer with producer Dave Eringa (Manic Street Preachers / Idlewild) . They’re a double edged sword of ferocious guitar and dainty, poetic words – a distorted pop band who fuse the influences of fellow countrymen Idlewild and Biffy Clyro with the thoughtful approach to songwriting of old school ‘emo’ bands like Jimmy Eat World and Bright Eyes. With support from Radio 1, XFM, MTV2, Rock Sound and !Kerrang, and a work ethic of epic proportions with a live show to match, these are exciting times for the Aberdeen / Exeter and Brighton based trio. “Nothing short of astonishing” – !Kerrang “Ludicrously Punchy” – Steve Lamacq “’The Xcerts are going to be making big strides in 2008” – Drowned in Sound Following the release of their critically acclaimed debut album ‘In The Cold Wind We Smile’ The Xcerts can now reveal plans for their next single. ‘Just Go Home’ will be released on 8th June through Xtra Mile Recordings as a download on iTunes and all major DSPs. Fans who purchase ‘Just Go Home’ in the week of release are eligible for an additional free live track recorded at the band’s recent sold out Glasgow show and mixed by Dave Eringa (Idlewild, Manic Street Preachers,) who also produced the band’s debut album. For more information please see www.xtramilerecordings.com No strangers to the road, The Xcerts who spent a lot of last year touring with the likes of Get Cape, Wear Cape. Fly, Twin Atlantic, Feeder and Fight Like Apes will soon embark on a national tour supporting My Vitriol while stopping off at every festival along the way!

Dates below:

MAY
15th – Great Escape Festival
17th – Aberdeen Tunnels – Supporting My Vitriol
18th – Liverpool Barfly – Supporting My Vitriol
20th – Cardiff Barfly – Supporting My Vitriol
21st – Exeter The Hub – Supporting My Vitriol
22nd – Southampton Joiners – Supporting My Vitriol
23rd – Audio, Brighton
JUNE
5th – Herts Uni Summer Ball
6th – Hull Uni Summer Ball
20th – Lexapalooza Festival, London
24th – Southend Arts Festival
25th – Warwick Uni
JULY
3rd – Electric Bay, Perth
4th – Electric Bay, Perth
5th – Perth Music Festival, Perth
24th – Wickerman Festival (Solus Festival), Scotland
25th – Truck Festival
26th – Truck Festival
AUGUST
1st – Leopallooza Festival, Cornwall
30th – Beachdown Festival Brighton