The English indie pop duo IDER express raw and cheeky lyrics in their third album, 'Late to the World,' exploring the experience of being a late bloomer in an honest dialogue with Atwood Magazine.
Stream: 'Late to the World' – IDER
Some individuals appear to have their lives completely mapped out by age 25.
They've traded in their college futons for a West Elm sectional, can parallel park effortlessly, and can confidently distinguish between Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot while browsing the wine aisle for a dinner party.
Then there are those of us who are navigating adulthood, learning as we go. For anyone identifying with this, IDER's latest album, Late to the World (released February 2025 via Nettwerk Music Group), is likely to become a favorite, offering lyrical support on what it means to be “late” – interpreted not as a failure, but as part of a journey of self-discovery.
Throughout Late to the World, IDER – consisting of Megan Markwick and Lily Somerville – combine tracks that are reflective yet amusing, never losing their essence.
They explain, “We write from personal spaces with each other. At the core of our work – we’re very much about the lyrics. The central themes on the album deal with the notion of feeling like a late bloomer and sensing that you’re being left behind or not keeping pace with the social milestones others seem to achieve. It’s about us figuring life out and making sense of things.”
From one track to another, Late to the World presents a varied and eclectic mix of sounds and emotions but flourishes in the mid-tempo pop vibes of singles like “Attachment Theory” and “You Don’t Know How to Drive.”
As IDER mentions, “It’s been incredible to witness people respond to ‘You Don’t Know How to Drive.’ It doesn’t have to be this heavy, profound experience for people to connect with. They resonate with the sass.”
You don’t know how to drive
You’re always missing the signs
But you have no problem
telling me how to live
from the passenger side
You say you figured it out
When you were high in Berlin
I suspect you go to therapy
just to learn how to win the fights you’re in
Oh to be honest I didn’t hear a word you said
I’m too busy thinking of fantasies in my head
– “You Don’t Know How to Drive,” IDER
IDER © Sami Weller
With Late to the World now available and a tour in progress, the band is eager to perform their new music across Europe and the United States. “It’s just an opportunity to be in a space together, to share experiences and celebrate. And, yes, let it all out. Show all of our different sides,” they state. Honestly? That feels like exactly what the world needs right now.
Continue reading for our complete conversation with IDER below and catch them on their North American tour this April – find tickets and more information here!
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:: stream/purchase Late to the World here ::
:: connect with IDER here ::
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A CONVERSATION WITH IDER
Atwood Magazine: First of all, congratulations on your new album, Late to the World! What has the response been like? What have you heard from fans?
IDER: The response has been wonderful. It was very thrilling to finally release it. It felt like a long-awaited moment. We’ve received so many sweet, connecting messages from fans, which is what makes it all worthwhile. The reception has been really positive, and I’m looking forward to taking it on tour, which kicks off next week.
Have there been any fan reactions that surprised you?
IDER: Oh, that’s a great question. There’s been a lot of discussion around a specific track called ‘Killing the Game,’ which has been lovely to witness. That song speaks to the feeling of not measuring up while everyone else seems to be thriving. It seems to resonate with people because we’ve realized it’s all about perception, right? Someone may look like they’re doing incredibly well, while in reality, they might feel quite insecure or struggle with imposter syndrome.
It’s also amusing because, as we release the record to such excitement and great responses, we have a song about feeling inadequate, which ties into the notion that we all hold different experiences. You can experience contrasting feelings simultaneously. Many people say, “But you all seem to be doing so well,” showing that at the end of the day, it’s all a bit of a facade.
It’s also exciting to see people react to “You Don’t Know How to Drive.” It doesn’t have to be a serious experience for people to connect with. They can resonate with the sass.
That's one of my favorite tracks. I particularly enjoy the lyric, “I reckon you go to therapy just to learn to win the fights you’re in” – it
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English indie pop duo IDER display their raw and bold lyrics in their third album, ‘Late to the World,’ exploring the concept of being a late bloomer and additional themes in an open conversation with Atwood Magazine.