What can I say about Idles that hasn’t been said before…
They are a UK punk band from Bristol fronted by the extremely enigmatic Joe Talbot, and who exploded onto the music scene after the release of their first album, ‘Brutalism‘ in 2017, followed shortly there after by ‘Joy as an Act of Resistance’ in 2018, then ‘Ultra Mono’ in 2020, ‘Crawler’ in 2021 and their most recent release, ’Tangk’ in 2023.
As you can tell from the band releasing 5 albums in 6 years, they have a lot to say. You might be fooled in to thinking that their music is aggressive and confrontational, especially as frontman Joe Talbot paces round the stage, singing his politically charged lyrics with fantastic venom, but the more you listen to their songs the more you realise that not only can you relate to him, and the guy has a lot of valid points. I guess that (and the pure raw chaotic energy of their music) proves why they are able to release albums so quickly.
They are currently in the midst of their ‘Love is the Fing’ UK and Ireland tour, and played their first of 3 sold out shows in the 3 Olympia theatre last night, 19th Nov.
Support came from Belfast based band Chalk, who I had listened to before and heard were amazing live, but had never had the chance to catch them yet. Their preceding reputation was something of an understatement. I’ve seen the 3 piece described as ’Trauma Techno’ online, and have to say that’s a perfect description. Frontman Ross Cullen performed on stage as if he was consumed by every emotion that ever existed, and was backed up by the relentless drums of Luke Niblock, who was somehow able to sound like a drum machine being played live, and Ben Goddard, effortlessly moving between guitar and effects. Between the three of them they created a sound that hit you right in the chest while also making you not able to take your eyes off the stage. Whoever booked these guys as the support act knew exactly what they were doing. It was like watching a headline band before a headline band. Their sound is new and fresh and interesting, and I would imagine the next time I see them they will be playing their own sold out show. Definitely a band to watch, and one of the best out of a current emergence of really great Irish bands touring right now.
Then Idles arrived…
The band walked out in shilouette to a white lit stage and started straight into IDEA 01, and you knew exactly what was going to happen. Or at least you thought you did. It was dramatic and slow, and I would imagine chosen to bring everyone back to the boil after the break since Chalk. They then went straight into ‘Colossus’ (one of my favourite songs) and things really started to get cooking. The song is low and slow, and builds up dramatically into an epic monster that goes and it goes and it goes… (sorry).
After that, you could tell everyone was in. Midway through the song, guitarist Marc Bowen got off the stage and proceeded to crowd surf while still playing, and even though this is a regular occurrence, it never gets old. I’ve seen and shot bands who range from zero crowd interaction to getting the crowd involved by singing along etc., but it’s always fantastic to see when a member actually goes into the crowd during a gig. I would imagine that while this involves the audience in a way where they can be right next to their favourite band and feel like a part of the gig, it also helps the band/member by letting them feed off of the crowds energy, directly from the source. Idles are a band who understand how loyal and important their fans are, and they don’t have any airs and graces about being as big as they have become. They are still ’scum’ after all.
The fact that they were able to perform a show by playing 23 absolute bangers is a testament to them, and shows that in such a short time they already have a catalogue of songs that have moved from the status of hits to anthems.
Talbot also took a few moments in-between songs to thank the audience for everything, and delivering positive messages by saying you have to believe in yourself and try to do what you are passionate about and not worry about what anyone else says, showing that behind it all, they really are nice guys.
Throughout the gig they had the crowd dancing, sitting down and screaming ‘Fuck the King!’, carrying both guitarists while they crowd surfed and taking over on lead vocals for songs like ’Never Fight a Man with a Perm’ and ‘Danny Nedelko’ (which, in fairness was more instigated by the crowd than the band, who didn’t really have a choice).
It’s rare you like a band was much as I like Idles and are not in one bit disappointed when you see them live. That’s how you know they’re the real deal. If you are lucky enough to have a ticket for the rest of their tour, then I am extremely jealous and I would recommend you prepare yourselves for one of the best gigs you’ll ever see. Pure emotion, energy, urgency, musicianship and excitement. (Also, if you have any spare tickets, let me know haha)
Excellent gig from an excellent band. Nothing more I can say really.
Chalk photos:
Idles photos & set-list:
Set-list:
IDEA 01
Colossus
Gift Horse
Mr. Motivator
Mother
Car Crash
I’m Scum
Roy
1049 Gotho
Jungle
The Wheel
When the Lights Come On
Divide and Conquer
Gratitude
Benzocaine
POP POP POP
Samaritans
Crawl!
The Beachland Ballroom
Never Fight a Man With a Perm
Dancer
Danny Nedelko
Rottweiler
Words & photos – David McEneanery @experimentzero