Why you need to listen to IDLES now – Evening Standard

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n A&R man once told me an interesting definition of artistic genius. A genius, the theory goes, is someone whose early work can only be fully understood in light of their later. Deciding to whom this applies in music is a fun brainteaser on hearing the theory, I could only, and semi-reluctantly, submit Damon Albarn.

Now, I hate to bandy about the g-word with regard to a band whove only made four albums, but I do think that IDLES might make a fit. A Bristol punk group whose latest full-length, CRAWLER, was released earlier this month, their music is heavy, propulsive but melodic, occasionally funny, often angry and sad those last two being my favourite musical characteristics. All this, and their songs are infectiously catchy too.

I first came across them, shamefully late, via their 2018 YouTube session for the Seattle radio station KEXP. (Incidentally, these sessions are worth following, as they are often excellent.) I was struck by the same things everyone else who encountered them was the urgency and commitment, the raw vocals and ominous heaviness, and by guitarist Mark Bowens slightly incongruous, 70s rock stylings. But mainly I was struck by how great a performance this was how it stood in such stark relief from the teeming multitude of run-of-the-mill rock bands.

I went to see them play live in Los Angeles the following year and loved them. On stage, vocalist Joe Talbot prowled and thrummed with the jittery energy of someone on the drugs hed once struggled with. An interloper on the stage was dragged off by security. Dont kick him out, Talbot said into the mic. He was just having fun And he might have some cocaine on him. He flashed a quick, mischievous grin. Only joking, he added. I am no longer a cocaine addict. Later, he ribbed Bowen for his on-stage enthusiasm and proggy spandex trousers: Alright, Mr Pink Floyd.

I began to be a fan, drawn in by the thunderous rhythm section, snarling guitars and personal lyrics, but a little less persuaded by the more didactic, social justice-themed moments. Amused, too: Imagine a young, Bristolian Henry Rollins bellowing at you about being more positive, and youve got the picture. As someone with the misfortune of being born at the fag end of Gen X, I prefer my punk a touch more nihilistic. But nihilism is not the spirit of this care-or-else age, as Talbot implies on CRAWLER: He says hes a nihilist, he spits on Stockholm Syndrome.

All four of IDLES albums are great, and whether or not this latest is their best (probably) isnt really the point. The point is that theyre evolving brilliantly. Whereas the early work harked back to Black Flag, CRAWLER shows the band mastering their sonic style to explore new forms. Urgent punk rock is still the backbone of the music, but here youll find shades of Martin Gore or Trent Reznors dark electronics, late 70s, icy gothic rock, and even dare I say it something close to a punk torch ballad.

Combined with this is the fact that on CRAWLERS, Talbots psychic pain is his dominant lyrical concern. This is an infinitely richer seam than the political stuff (almost always the case see PJ Harvey.) The electronic elements that some rock bands apply like a thin coat of paint to give the appearance of freshness (see The Nationals last album) here add whole new atmospheres and depths.

Best of all is Talbots growing confidence as a vocalist on CRAWLERS he really sings, expanding the emotional range of their music. This is exemplified by the soul-roar vocal of The Beachland Ballroom, which grows in intensity as the songs instrumental embers blaze into life. Without this confidence, IDLES wouldnt be able to produce this work. Life is beautiful, as Talbot sings on The End.

If I were to submit a corollary to the initial theory of genius, it would be this: Bands being able to make albums swiftly and regularly can also be a sign. Consider how many make one promising record, struggle to produce a slightly worse second, then either decline further or disband. I have often wondered why artists from the past The Beatles, Bowie were so much more productive than their modern equivalents. Bands that can make albums as good and as quickly as IDLES do are exceptional.

If you havent listened to them already, nows the time.

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Why you need to listen to IDLES now - Evening Standard