IDER: 'shame'
Meeting in Falmouth whilst studying Popular Music, Megan Markwick and Lily Somerville’s first collaborations were folk songs inspired by Joni Mitchell and Fleetwood Mac. Relocating to London for their debut EP, 2017’s ‘Gut Me Like an Animal’, they were quickly signed to Glassnote Records for 2019’s debut studio full-length, ‘Emotional Education’.
After parting ways with Glassnote, IDER’s new offering ‘shame’ looks to take the pair back to their roots; full creative control, free from the strain of the major label suits. Writing the album during “three weeks of heaven” whilst suffering from covid in Berlin, ‘shame’ was finally cut together in their studio- cum-flat in Bethnal Green.
Album opener ‘Cross Yourself’ is the perfect reverence to their time in Berlin, as the city’s intemperance echoes through a litany of thunderous bass lines. ‘Knocked Up’ paints the depth of Somerville and Markwick’s relationship, exploring insecurities that arose in the former’s youth. Ending on a perfect moment of self-observation, ‘Midland guilt’ sees Somerville reminisce about her Tamworth roots; exploring whether her life would be different had she remained in the Midlands.
‘shame’ will be remembered as more than a consummate performance from the English duo, who have built a reputation for their ability to consistently proliferate pop songs tinged with melodic charm, introspective lyricism, and identity.
