It’s an incredible magic trick when a lead singer can take all of the energy of a sold out crowd, absorb it, then give it back. Such is the case with every band member of Idles. Feeding off the palpable anticipation of the audience, lead singer Joe Talbot entered the stage pacing like a wild tiger on the loose. Idles released their 5th full length album, Tangk, earlier this show and continue to outdo themselves after 15 years, showing a primal sort of angst. Underneath a more aggressive fast paced exertion is a slew of intelligent lyrics giving insight into politics and expressing a love for all people. This is a band who has taken active stances against homophobia, sexism, and racism and easily get their devoted fans to chant out their political ideals as well.
Idles began their colossal two hour long set with a deep brooding “Idea O1,” the first track from their newest album. However, the band quickly delved into anthemic fast paced gems like “I’m Scum,” for example. “Never Fight a Man With a Perm” unleashed an unmatched adrenaline. You could literally sense the temperature of the crowd rising and the heart rate speed up when Talbot belted out lyrics at the front of the stage or when guitarist Lee Kiernan crowd surfed while playing simultaneously. “Divide & Conquer” was especially intense and “Mother” was as flawless as ever. “War” couldn’t have been more perfectly executed. “Samaritans” was as charged with the immensity of Talbot’s insights as it was with the pounding of the instrumental accompaniment. The entire audience was scream crying all of the memorized lyrics along with them. Excellently timed, this was followed by “Crawl!”
Talbot also showed his love for Chicago, wearing a Chicago Music Exchange sweatshirt and dedicating “The Wheel” to Steve Albini. He also talked about his love for immigrants and writing songs from a place of despair and had the crowd exclaiming “He’s made of flesh, he’s made of love. He’s made of you, he’s made of me” during their song “Danny Nedelko.” At one point later on in the set, Talbot also sang unexpectedly sang an a cappella version of All I Want For Christmas is You before singing the very last song, an anti fascist ditty cranked up to 11 “Rotweiller.“ It is truly a revelation to experience both this level of intensity and gentleness of a human in the very same night. Talbot’s capacity for a such a depth of emotion is what makes each song feel genuine and exceptional both live and on album. This is no ordinary band or live show and you will be changed by listening.
Even with these wholesome moments mixed in, the momentum didn’t ever seem to die down. There is some anger here but it’s understandable and wholly relatable as a sort of super charged abrasive poetry. Fighting injustice with art is, after all, an act of resistance in the same way as Joy. Idles will prove to us with every breath that punk rock is alive and well. Can I get a Hallelujah?!
Full setlist here
More tour dates here
