IDLES, Joy as as Act of Resistance, Album Review

IDLES

Joy as an Act of Resistance

Album Review

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IDLES entered their way into the hearts of many with their debut album "Brutalism" that was released last year. However, I didn't really give the punk group much of a listen last year despite all the hype, only dabbling over a few tracks and just passing it off as ok without much of an afterthought.

The hype certainly continued upon this albums release, and with more of an open-mindedness that I have acquired this year, I decided to give it a proper listen.

I have to be honest, I can see what all the hype is about now.

The album stays somewhat true to the rawness of "Brutalism", but they have certainly developed their sound into something much more refined. After dabbling over "Brutalism" again, I also noticed how with this album there is a lot more melody involved, which I think helps me ease my way into immersing myself into the album far better.

There are also points on this album where important and relevant issues are addressed in a very interesting way, and it was those points that really left me thinking (which is always a sign of good lyricism in my eyes).

I should probably credit my newfound love towards the band mostly to the very first track on the album "Colossus" which has some of the most insane progression I've heard from a song so far this year. As more and more elements are added as the song progresses, it eventually all disappears as if the song were about to end. However, I'm treated to one last burst of fast-paced raw punk heaviness that for me was just the cherry on-top. Despite there being many more great songs further into the album, "Colossus" is most-likely my personal highlight. 

The insane energy carries through into the next track; "Never Fight A Man With A Perm" which has this really relentless drum rhythm, paired perfectly with the droning looped guitar riff that makes for a track that I would imagine could get a crowd really riled up in a live performance. The melody previously mentioned covers the verses while we are treated with an explosive melody to accompany the hearty vocals in the choruses.

"I'm Scum" has a bit more of a merry atmosphere in its melody than the last two tracks, but still retains the fast-paced and upbeat rhythm. The subject matter most likely addressing classism, its both a though-provoking track and an incredibly catchy anthem.

From addressing classism to addressing racism (possibly), "Danny Nedelko" is just as much of an anthem as the previous track. It hits hard, has an even merrier sounding melody and expresses that we are all one and the same. I especially love the choruses and I can only imagine how good it must be to listen to live.

"Love Song" feels very moody in its melody and it has quite a sinister melody in its verses while sticking to a fast-paced rhythm. It is a fairly catchy track as well and a very good listen.

Definitely the most downbeat and dreariest song on the album, "June" addresses yet another moment of grief for the bands lead, Joe Talbot. After eventually losing his mother, who he took care of after she suffered a stroke that paralysed her (this was the subject behind one of their debut singles, named "Mother"), Talbot and his partner also lost their daughter, Agatha, after finding her stillborn. The melody and the lyrics are incredibly sorrowful and the emotion really carries through and I understand that it may've been incredibly difficult emotionally to have this song written. It really tugs at the heart strings and is a marvellously composed track.

I think that in terms of subject matter, the song that follows is really fitting after "June" in the way that its almost juxtaposing. "Samaritans" dresses the expectations behind masculinity. In other words, the taboo behind men expressing feelings (especially those of sadness). It's another really thought provoking track with a really engaging and almost ambient melody and rhythm.

This is followed by another very engaging track in the form of "Television", which addresses the toxicity of the "perfect appearance". The main message that Talbot wants us to receive from this track is to "love yourself". It's once-again a very fast paced and traditional punk melody and is yet another anthem to add to the collection.

"Great" is also an incredibly upbeat track with another merry melody with another traditional sounding modern punk melody. I really love the bass riff in the verses and the power of the vocals throughout.

"Gram Rock" is a bit of an odd track, but I think it is one of those songs that is meant to be. I can understand that it is quite possibly a representation of unnecessary masculine bravado that is seen all too often. And if you take away any type of reasoning behind why a person would behave this way (in other words, if one is just bugging themselves up when theres no need to), it's all just seen as mad ravings (which I feel is why the lyrics are so inconsistently strange and unrelated).

"Cry To Me" has a bit more of a melancholy vibe to it, and is also equally moody to "Love Song". But it has a much more slow paced rhythm to it which I feel might make it a bit more lacklustre in my eyes. However, it's by no means a bad track. It's still a well written piece with a solid melody.

Finally, the album is completed with the loud and lairy "Rottweiler". While I have mentioned that some of the tracks would make great songs live, this already feels like a live track in the way that it has been recorded. With all of the shouts and chanting towards the end as well as Talbot repeatedly chanting "Keep going!", it does a marvellous job of making me feel like I'm already at a live show. And as this sounds as if it would be the end of a live show, its also more than fitting way to finish the album.

In conclusion, I loved listening to this album and I'm glad that I followed the hype surrounding it; this album is more than deserving of it!

I feel like I should also revisit "Brutalism" as well as I now feel a much stronger connection towards the band and their music. And I have "Joy as an Act of Resistance" to thank for that.

Thank you for reading

BBP