Idiot Glee - Paddywhack

“ the sort of music Panda Bear might make if he had a sense of humour.  And one of the best voices around in 2010” -  NME

“somewhere between Jens Lekman’s thoughtful crooning and the classic auteur-pop of Brian Wilson or even Another Green World’s Brian Eno." - VICE

“Spookily resonant piano-pop-wave.” – THE GUARDIAN

After the idyllic charm of last year’s debut single “All Packed Up / Don’t Drink The Water” Idiot Glee returns with his first album Paddywhack released on 16th May on Moshi Moshi.

22-year-old James Friley trades in spectral transmissions: multi-layered vocal concoctions that sound like they are emitted from a radio in the past, or coming over an unknown satellite frequency from the future, telling stories about a more idyllic time.

Mining an emotional territory between nostalgia and powerful sense of childlike wonder, his rustic arrangements belie a sophisticated sense of melody surrounded by palpable magic and mystery. Hypnotic looped vocal samples come into full bloom around beautifully cathartic, slow-burning choral interpretations, all the while retaining a graceful fragility.

Having trained as a classical pianist from age 7, a teenage Friley found the designated hours of practice quickly gave way to writing and improvising his own solo piano compositions. Having more of a pop sensibility the songs didn’t fit the repertoire of budding rock band ‘Bedtime’ and hence Idiot Glee began to take shape.    

The discovery on cassette of Pet Sounds in a flea market in 2008 proved a pivotal point.  “I listened to it probably 100 times over the span of a year” he says and it became the catalyst in making Idiot Glee a full time hobby

Idiot Glee wrapped up 2010, clad in a battery operated Santa Hat, supporting Summer Camp at The Drop. He’ll be back for shows in May in support of his debut, to be announced soon. 

TRACKLISTING:

1. It 2. Let's Get Down Together  3. Don't Go Out Tonight 4. All Packed U 5. Trouble At The Dancehall 6. Deep Descent 7. I Want The Night To Stay 8. FOE 9. Don't Drink The Water 10. Happy Day 11. Welcome Back 12. In The Sadist's Garden

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