IDER - Late To The World

On their third album, IDER find themselves caught between moments of genuine innovation and stretches of familiar territory that unfortunately fail to ignite the same spark. 'Late To The World' opens with its title-track, a perfectly serviceable introduction that sets the tone for an album that often plays it surprisingly safe.

When the duo venture into more experimental waters, they strike gold. 'Know How It Hurts' brings an unexpected 80s twist that feels both fresh and natural, while 'Unlearn' channels the assertive energy of Self Esteem with its bold declaration "be big, be brave, be special" – though it occasionally threatens to feel like an echo rather than its own voice. 'Zero' emerges as another highlight, starting with an infectious energy that carries through its runtime.

The production, helmed by Dann Hume in his church-cum-studio, provides moments of clarity and warmth, particularly evident in the delicate handling of 'Quiet Violence', which stands as one of the album's more contemplative achievements. However, tracks like 'Hard Enough to Let Go' fade into the background, lacking the distinctive edge that makes their better material shine.

The album's recurring themes of relationship dysfunction and personal growth begin to wear thin by the halfway mark. While 'Good Fight' attempts to tackle righteous anger, it muddles its message by conflating justified outrage with wine-fuelled frustration – a distinction that deserves more nuanced treatment.

When IDER embrace their weirder impulses, they soar. It's just a shame these moments don't come more frequently. The result is an album that's perfectly fine when it could have been fascinating – though those highlights do make it worth the journey, even if you might find yourself reaching for the skip button now and then.