Idler Wheel channel an early 2000's sound on impressive new single, "If I Catch Fire"
Review by Austin Sher
Following up their successful EP release, Idler Wheel are back with another impressive single, “If I Catch Fire”. Read along with us as we break down our thoughts on the track, in addition to a bit of background on the band as well.
Currently based out of Boston, Idler Wheel is a band that was born during the pandemic. Together, they’re creating music as a way to find meaning and expression during this weird time. With songs inspired by the passing of a dear friend a year earlier, they felt compelled to finally grapple with the loss by embracing the reality that our time is short. Lead vocalist, guitarist, and writer Michael draws on the influence of his days living in Brooklyn during the early-mid 2000’s to craft songs with DNA from The National, LCD Soundsystem, and Interpol, infused with the spirit of foundational singer/songwriters like Elvis and Roy Orbison.
“If I Catch Fire” is about finding new meaning in old romance, memory as a path to new discoveries in love. We’d also like to announce on behalf of the band, that this release of the new single is the official announcement that the band’s name has changed from The Recognitions to...Idler Wheel. We love it and are really looking forward to new music from this reinvented band and project.
As for this newest single, considering their influences are some of our all time favorite bands, we weren’t surprised that “If I Catch Fire” was as fantastic as it was. Seriously though, it was like a collective mix of The National, the roots of LCD Soundsystem, with the lead singer's vocal delivery being an original sound of his own. The essence of James Murphy was certainly flowing through this track from start to finish.
With an overall 90’s and early 2000’s feel to it, there’s really no telling where the band’s sound could go from here. Like we mentioned, these are some of our favorite bands and it’s a really interesting thing to sound so much like the culmination of them. We’ll be reviewing the band’s next single in the coming weeks, so we’re really looking forward to seeing how they explore their sound from here on. There’s certainly no doubt in our mind that they’re going to knock it out of the park though.
Needless to say, overall we’re very impressed with what we heard here. Our takeaway for the reader is that we’re highly recommending and encouraging you to take a listen for yourself! For all things Idler Wheel, to listen to the newest single, and to keep up with all future releases and information, please check out the following links below.
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