Review: Roddy Woomble - My Secret Is My Silence

Earlier this year, I begrudgingly gave Idlewild's latest record, Make Another World, a less than stellar review. For as much as I adore the Scottish act, I was beyond underwhelmed with what they presented on their fifth proper full-length. Fast-forward six months later, and Roddy Woomble - Idlewild's frontman, is set to release his solo debut, My Secret Is My Silence. The album, which was recorded over a nine-day period in South Yorkshire during March '06, is thankfully, a much stronger and coherent release than World.

Judging from snippets of reviews I read prior to hearing Silence, I was expecting a Nick Drake-esque melancholic folk record. In actuality, Roddy's solo album falls somewhat closer to Bright Eyes' Fevers & Mirrors, Nick Cave's recent recordings and early Tim Buckley more than anything else. If Idlewild's Make Another World was a tepid two-star release, than My Secret Is My Silence would surely garner close to four. A truly pleasant surprise. Take a listen to the album's second track, 'As Still As I Watch Your Grave', below. Learn more about Roddy here on his official site.

MP3: Roddy Woomble - As Still As I Watch Your Grave