Cover Magazine, Vol. 11, #5

IDLE TAKES FLIGHT

Spinning wheels of sonic balladry whacked by feedback lace on Ego Park

The boys from Idle saunter into the bar one at a time, in no particular hurry to discuss their brilliant album, Ego Park (Big Deal Records). They seem delightfully unaware that this, their third effort, has put them on the cusp of something big.

Drinks in hand, they begin reminiscing about the early days. "I saw this classified ad and went over to their place," says drummer and Queens native, James Renard. He adds, "I burst into this apartment and I just knew that everything would work out the second that guitarist Keith Campbell opened the door."

"I opened the door." says singer Will Croxton, emerging from his drink.

"No you didn't."

"Yea, I did."

"You know how I know you didn't open the door? I was standing in the living room with Keith, then you came out," Renard says triumphantly.

Croxton thinks for a second. "Oh, okay," and goes back for a beer.

The conversation goes on like this for some time, and when Campbell and singer/bassist J. Burke sit down, the evening is already in full swing, and its obvious these four really like each other. Of course, all you need is to listen to their music. Idle mixes sounds and tempos with surprising finesse and remarkable results. Croxton and Burke split the singing duties and keep the sound fresh and distinct. But it's Campbell's guitar that defines it. From powerful soaring solos to feedback-laden foundation, the electric guitar features prominently on all their songs.

"With this album we really wanted to do some things, gui-tar wise that we hadn't done before," Croxton says. "We get bored with one sound for too long, and thatís true lyrically as well. A lot of things have happened to us in New York and we have more perspective now. I think that definitely comes across in Ego Park."

A lot comes across in Ego Park, thanks in part to Idle's new producer, legendary New York guitarist Ivan Julian (Richard Hell and the Voidoids, Matthew Sweet). With the help of Julian and several guest musicians, the new album has taken this already promising foursome from garage-rock discovery to guitar-rock icons. Even if they don't act like it.