False Idle frontman Sef Idle, also in an assortment of other bands, recently released his first solo record. Following in the footsteps of other punk artists such as Kevin Seconds (of 7 Seconds fame) and Matt Skiba, Idle has put down the electric guitar and picked up a much quieter and introspective instrument. However, don’t think that means that he’s “grown up” or “sold out” – while the style certainly is different, those familiar with punk rock will recognize chord progressions, rhythm and lyrical content that follows closely with Sef Idle’s punk rock roots. Overall, the tracks are surprisingly introspective, focusing on the ability to start again no matter the past. None are particularly upbeat, with slow strokes and musings meshing retrospectively with Idle’s quiet, crafted vocals. The bonus of a piano accompaniment on the track “In The Sand” deepens the musicality of the album, and adds a nice enhancement to the track, while fitting in perfectly with the theme of the music. When it comes down to it, Start Again is a solid album with a positive message, showing that punk rock isn’t getting old, it’s just getting smarter.
Features

The Top 25 Albums of 2020
When the going gets tough, artists create art. Despite a world reckoning outside our quarantined doors, musicians relentlessly created new music giving birth to genre-defining releases and, despite a year spent indoors, a marked 2020 full of passion and fervor. Here are our Top 25 albums of 2020.
By David Stagg
Full Feature More from HM Magazine
Overflowing with Wrath
Dempsey Mills is the brains behind Vials of Wrath, an atmospheric solo project rooted in Nordic inspiration, historic genre, and a dichotomy of peace and tension that underlies the heaviness of the music. Just don't call it unblack.
By Andrew Voigt
Full Feature More from Vials of Wrath
The Space for Rebirth
On Age of the Abstract's new EP, 'Rebirth,' the duo explores what a new sound looks like apart from the day-job in Canidria. Here, contributing writer Andrew Voigt talks with Julio Arias about influence, vision, and how writing in the wake of his father's death propelled the band forward.
By Andrew Voigt
Full Feature More from Age of the Abstract
In a World of Hurt
...a kind word goes a long way. "When it comes to writing and music, these are the gifts God has given me and that’s what I want to use to further the Kingdom and return those things back to God."
By Andrew Voigt
Full Feature More from Earth GroansMusic Reviews
-
Vols. 6 and 7
United We SkateReview by Nao Lewandowski
-
Influence
Everything in Slow MotionReview by Nao Lewandowski