IDLES - Joy As An Act Of Resistance
IDLES’ follow-up to the critically acclaimed Brutalism is a joy to listen to. It’s raucous opener Colossus is the sonic representation of a riotous caged beast, slowly building in tension, frustration and anger. The tone initially is one of passive malice before bursting into a typical IDLES pirate-like chaotic call-and-response. The floor shaking rhythm section permeates through each song, often accompanied by nervous guitar.
The verses in I’m Scum are instrumentally reminiscent of The Fall, with a bouncing bassline and off-key guitar accompaniment. However, this isn’t an unflattering reference – it is still the Brutalists we have come to know over these past few years. The entire track is an anthemic tribute to energised self-flagellation.
June is particularly poignant – it comes as quite a surprise; often IDLES will create something slightly humorous in each track to lighten the mood. Songs rarely touch on this subject, and it’s done excellently. Samaritans is an apt follow-up. Punk ‘Boys Don’t Cry’? Certainly.
While many artists are trying to touch on the subjects that this album tackles (masculinity, Brexit, racism and loneliness), this album does them justice. It candidly captures the current situation, it makes you cry, hate and laugh without losing face or focus.
9/10
