Ian The Idiot – The Idiot (2023)
Released in late October 2023, The Idiot is a sprawling culmination of soft pop melodies mixed with immaculate instrumentation and sweet vocals.
Nothing sounds out of place on this record, the instrumentation is really smart and varied with acoustic guitars, strings and slide guitars featuring nicely. Ian’s vocals also cut through really well with occasional harmonics adding an extra touch. There is a smooth lounge pop element to this record which evokes strongly the likes of Father John Misty or Richard Hawley. Adding to this though is Ian’s own environmental influences. It’s nice to hear lots of laidback songs which you can tell are indebted greatly to the songwriter’s upbringing and hometown. There are numerous references to California on the album and the slacker rock of many electric songs evokes previous breakthroughs like Pavement.
The instrumentation on ‘Bunker Hill’ is subtle and engaging with slide guitar not far removed from an alt-country or alt-folk of Jeff Tweedy or Kevin Morby. The contrasting female vocal also works really well. The lyrics don’t necessarily jump out at you but they’re intelligent in a more inconspicuous way. ‘Travis The Chimp’ is a great example of this where Ian appears to ruminate on the point of it all along different absurdist themes.
The artwork is fantastic as are the titles and concepts of the album. There is a great crossover in terms of different genres and influences from soft folk to indie rock and guitar pop!
Overall though, this is a mature record for what appears to be a DIY musician. The instrumentation is immaculate and there is not a note out of place on The Idiot. The different strings and brass instruments also add another element which elevates this record above normal DIY indie attempts at grand songwriting. Sometimes this can be evidence of someone trying too hard or overcomplicating things, but this really doesn’t do that. Every element has its place and doesn’t distract from each other. The vocals are subtle and understated but are a standout, the more you listen the more you love. There is enough on this record to dance to, sing to or sit to. It really is a considered and thoughtful project.
The Idiot probably won’t change your life – but it is a very solid effort from a solo and independent musician and warrants at least a strong 7/10.
Find out more about Ian The Idiot on his Bandcamp, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.
