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Idles

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For other uses, see Idles (disambiguation).

Idles
Idles performing in August 2019. From left: Jon Beavis, Mark Bowen, Lee Kiernan, Adam Devonshire and Joe Talbot
Background information
OriginBristol, England
Genres
Years active2009–present
Labels
Members
  • Adam Devonshire
  • Joe Talbot
  • Mark Bowen
  • Lee Kiernan
  • Jon Beavis
Past members
Websiteidlesband.com

Idles are a British rock band formed in Bristol in 2009.[1] The band consists of Adam Devonshire (bass), Joe Talbot (vocals), Mark Bowen (guitar), Lee Kiernan (guitar), and Jon Beavis (drums).

After spending eight years honing their live performances, the band released their debut album, Brutalism, in 2017 to critical acclaim.[2][3] Their second album, Joy as an Act of Resistance (2018), increased their exposure significantly,[4] and was followed by their first UK number one album, Ultra Mono, in 2020.[5] The band released their fourth album, Crawler, in 2021.[6] Tangk, their fifth studio album, was released in 2024 and became the band's second to reach number one in the UK.

History

[edit]

Formation, Welcome and Meat/Meta EPs (2009–2015)

[edit]
Main articles: Welcome (Idles EP) and Meat (Idles EP)

Welsh frontman Joe Talbot was born in Newport and spent his late teenage years in Devon.[7] Talbot and bassist Adam Devonshire met in sixth form college in Exeter. Talbot and Devonshire then both moved to Bristol where they studied at the St Matthias Campus of the University of the West of England and decided to start a band.[8] According to Talbot, "It took us a long time to get productive because we didn't know what the fuck we were doing at all, we were fucking terrible for a long time."[9] Talbot and Devonshire went on to open the Bat-Cave Night Club in Bristol.[10] Guitarist Mark Bowen moved from Belfast to study in Bristol and met Talbot while on the DJ circuit.[7]

The band's first release was the Welcome EP in 2012.[11] By 2014 the band comprised Talbot, Devonshire, guitarists Mark Bowen and Andy Stewart, and drummer Jon Beavis.[12] They released a second EP, Meat, which saw them embrace a much harder-edged direction from their early work, and Meta, an EP of remixes, in 2015,[13] and then started writing songs for their debut album.[8] Also in 2015, guitarist Andy Stewart was replaced by Lee Kiernan.

Brutalism (2016–2017)

[edit]
Main article: Brutalism (Idles album)

After the 2016 singles "Well Done"[14] and "Divide & Conquer",[15] the band released their first album, Brutalism, in March 2017 to critical acclaim.[8][16][17] DIY gave it 4 stars, calling it "An exhilarating escape along frenzied rhythms and powerhouse rhythms with a ferocious commentary for guidance...as vital as it is volatile."[18] The Line of Best Fit website gave it 9/10, calling Idles "one of the most exciting British bands right now".[19] It received an 8/10 from PopMatters, with Ian King calling it "bracing, caustic, and relentless".[20] Uncut gave it a similarly positive review, calling it "A rare rock record with the rage, urgency, wit and shattering of complacency usually found in grime".[21] Talbot's mother died after a long illness while the band was working on the album and is pictured on the cover, along with a sculpture by Talbot and his father.[12] Her death gave Talbot and the band a new focus.[12] They toured to support Brutalism, and supported the Maccabees on the London shows of their farewell tour,[22] as well as supporting the Foo Fighters for the O2 Arena's 10th Birthday.

Joy as an Act of Resistance (2018–2019)

[edit]
Main article: Joy as an Act of Resistance
Guitarist Mark Bowen at Glastonbury Festival 2019

After several festival appearances throughout Europe, they began working on their second album, Joy as an Act of Resistance, which was released on 31 August 2018.[12][23][24] Accompanying the release of Joy, the group created an exhibition in collaboration with HM Electric Gallery in London, taking place 30 and 31 August 2018.[25]

In 2019, the band was nominated for Best Breakthrough Act at the 2019 Brit Awards[26] and later won the 2019 Kerrang! Award for Best British Breakthrough Act.[27] That same year, Joy as an Act of Resistance was shortlisted for the 2019 Hyundai Mercury Prize. The band performed "Never Fight a Man with a Perm" at the ceremony on 19 September. In December, they played various shows across the UK, including a packed concert of 10,000 at London's Alexandra Palace.

Ultra Mono (2020–2021)

[edit]
Main article: Ultra Mono

During the latter stages of their Joy as an Act of Resistance tour in December 2019, Idles performed three new songs which were confirmed to be from their then-unannounced third album,[28] which Talbot confirmed was finished and being mixed in an interview with Zane Lowe that same month.

Following the promotional single "Mr. Motivator" in May 2020, Talbot announced their third album, Ultra Mono, in June, on Steve Lamacq's Radio 6 show.[29] The album was supported by a further four singles; "Grounds", "A Hymn", "Model Village" and "War" in June, July, August and September 2020, respectively. The record also features guest appearances from Jehnny Beth, Warren Ellis, David Yow and Jamie Cullum.[29] In 2020, Idles received two nominations at the Berlin Music Video Awards: the music video "Never Fight a Man With a Perm" received a nomination for Best Animation and "Mercedes Marxist" was nominated for Best Concept.[30]

Ultra Mono was released through Partisan Records on 25 September 2020 to predominantly positive reviews, with Louder Than War awarding it a 10 out of 10 and describing it as "the album of their career".[31] The band followed the release of the album with a remix of "Model Village", featuring Slowthai.[32]

In 2021 the band received the Best Punk Record award for the album at the American Association of Independent Music’s (A2IM) Libera Awards.[33] Also in 2021, the band released three covers: Sharon Van Etten's "Peace Signs" (for Van Etten's commemorative Epic Ten album),[34] Gang of Four's "Damaged Goods" (for the Andy Gill tribute album The Problem Of Leisure)[35] and Metallica's "The God That Failed" (for the charity tribute album The Metallica Blacklist).[36]

Crawler (2021–2023)

[edit]
Main article: Crawler (album)

On 28 September 2021, shortly over a year after the release of Ultra Mono, the band released the single "The Beachland Ballroom". Coinciding with the announcement the band announced the release of their fourth studio album, Crawler, to be released later in the autumn.[37] Prior to the album's release, the second single, "Car Crash", was released. The song was written about Talbot's real-life car accident.[38]

Crawler was released on 12 November 2021 through Partisan Records, and it was met with critical acclaim. Matt Mitchell, writing for Paste, gave the album an 8.8 out of 10 saying that Crawler "is magnetic storytelling tempered with newfound patience".[39] Damien Morris, of The Observer, called Crawler a "thrilling, glass-gargling introspection", giving the album a full five out of five stars.[40] Stuart Berman of Pitchfork gave Crawler a 7 out 10, the highest rating the band has received from the website. Berman said that "the Bristol band’s fourth album plays like the dark origin story for how Idles became the preeminent life coaches of modern post-punk."[41]

After being unable to tour for Ultra Mono due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the two albums were promoted in a worldwide tour from late 2021 to late 2022. During the tour, the band released two music videos from Crawler. The first, "When the Lights Come On", premiered on 13 December 2021 with direction from the company, Holding Hands with Horses.[42] On 8 February 2022, the music video for "Crawl!" was released. The video was a claymation video directed by LOOSE and Edie Lawrence.[43]

In April 2022, the band performed at Coachella Music and Arts Festival, with Desert Sun describing their performance as "rambunctious" and "chaotic".[44]

Tangk (2023–present)

[edit]
Main article: Tangk

On 18 October 2023 the band released the single "Dancer", featuring backing vocals by James Murphy and Nancy Whang from LCD Soundsystem. They also announced their fifth album Tangk, which was released on 16 February 2024 and co-produced by the team of Kenny Beats, Nigel Godrich and guitarist Mark Bowen.[45] "Dancer" was later named by NME as the 49th best song of 2023.[46]

On 6 December 2023, the band released the follow-up single "Grace",[47] and later released "Gift Horse"[48] on 14 January 2024. On February 14, the band released a music video for "Grace" that used footage from Coldplay's video for "Yellow". Using deep fake technology, Chris Martin is made to appear as though he is singing "Grace" rather than "Yellow". The idea for the video reportedly came to Talbot in a dream, and was done with not only Martin's approval but his cooperation – filming himself singing the song in order to train the AI to make it appear more realistic.[49]

On 17 April 2024, the band released a music video for "Pop Pop Pop" while on a worldwide tour that started in February 2024.[50] The music video was shot on location in Iceland.

On Friday 28 June 2024 Idles played at Glastonbury where they were the final act performing on the 'Other Stage'. At one point during the performance they were joined on stage by American rapper Danny Brown.

Musical style

[edit]
Idles at Haldern Pop Festival 2017

Idles' music has been described as punk rock,[51][52][53] post-punk,[54][55] hardcore punk,[56] post-hardcore,[57] and art rock.[58] Talbot rejected the punk label;[59] in 2017, he said: "We're not a post punk band. I guess we have that motorik, engine-like drive in the rhythm section that some post punk bands have, but we have plenty of songs that aren't like that at all."[12]

Members

[edit]

Current

  • Adam Devonshire – bass guitar, backing vocals (2009–present)
  • Joe Talbot – lead vocals (2009–present)
  • Mark Bowen – lead guitar, backing vocals (2009–present), electronics, keyboards (2021–present)
  • Jon Beavis – drums, backing vocals (2011–present)
  • Lee Kiernan – rhythm guitar, backing vocals (2015–present)

Former

  • Andy Stewart – rhythm guitar, backing vocals (2009–2015)
  • Jon Harper – drums (2009–2011)

Touring

  • Tina Maynard – rhythm and lead guitar, keyboards, backing vocals (2021; 2022) [60][61]

Discography

[edit]
Main article: Idles discography

Awards and nominations

[edit]
Award Year Category Nominated work Result Ref.
AIM Independent Music Awards 2022 Best Live Performer Idles Nominated [62]
Brit Awards 2019 British Breakthrough Act Nominated [26]
Grammy Awards 2023 Best Rock Performance "Crawl!" Nominated [63]
Best Rock Album Crawler Nominated
2025 Best Rock Performance "Gift Horse" Pending [64]
Best Rock Song Pending
Best Rock Album Tangk Pending
Ivor Novello Awards 2019 Album Award Joy as an Act of Resistance Won [65]
Kerrang! Awards 2019 Best British Breakthrough Idles Won [27]
Libera Awards 2020 Best Live Act Won [66]
2021 Best Punk Record Ultra Mono Won [67]
Best Creative Packaging Nominated
2022 Best Rock Record Crawler Won [68]
Video of the Year "Car Crash" Nominated
2023 Best Live/Livestream Act Live on From the Basement Nominated [69]
2024 Music Video of the Year "Dancer" Won [70]
Best Short-Form Video "Grace" teaser Won
Mercury Prize 2019 Best Album Joy as an Act of Resistance Nominated [71]
NME Awards 2020 Best British Band Idles Nominated [72]
Best Band in the World Nominated
2022 Best Live Act Nominated [73]
Q Awards 2018 Best Breakthrough Act Won [74]
Best Album Joy as an Act of Resistance Nominated
UK Music Video Awards 2020 Best Rock Video – UK "War" Won [75]
Best Cinematography in a Video Nominated
Best Editing in a Video Nominated
2022 Best Rock Video - UK "Crawl!" Nominated [76]
Best Animation in a Video Nominated
2024 Best Rock Video – UK "Dancer" Pending [77]
"Gift Horse" Pending

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Smith, Thomas (29 September 2017). "Idles: Snarling punk that encapsulates the state of the nation". NME. Retrieved 31 August 2019.
  2. ^ Bassett, Jordan (30 August 2018). "Idles – 'Joy As An Act Of Resistance' review". NME. Retrieved 31 August 2019.
  3. ^ Empire, Kitty (3 November 2018). "Idles review – shout their name from the rooftops". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 31 August 2019.
  4. ^ "Album Review: Idles – Joy as an Act of Resistance". Drowned in Sound. Archived from the original on 31 August 2019. Retrieved 31 August 2019.
  5. ^ McLister, Matthew (1 October 2020). "IDLES: Ultra Mono review | Social class 'controversy' | Clumsy or quirky?". Matthew Mclister. Retrieved 29 January 2024.
  6. ^ Richards, Will (12 November 2021). "IDLES – 'CRAWLER' review: an introspective, risk-taking leap forwards". NME. Retrieved 29 January 2024.
  7. ^ a b McSorley, Kevin (19 April 2019). "Idles a subversive band that disagrees vehemently with our government". Irish News. Retrieved 2 August 2019.
  8. ^ a b c Hamilton, Joe (2017) "Brute Force: The Contrary World Of IDLES", Clash, 15 March 2017. Retrieved 8 July 2017
  9. ^ "Brute Force: The Contrary World Of IDLES". Clash Magazine. 15 March 2017. Retrieved 31 August 2019.
  10. ^ "Not Another Indie Disco meet Idles". notanotherindiedisco.com. Archived from the original on 31 August 2019. Retrieved 31 August 2019.
  11. ^ "Idles – Welcome". Discogs. Retrieved 31 August 2019.
  12. ^ a b c d e Murray, Eoin (2017) "Stendhal Syndrome: Idles Interviewed", The Quietus, 29 June 2017. Retrieved 8 July 2017
  13. ^ "Idles – Meat EP / Meta EP". Discogs. Retrieved 31 August 2019.
  14. ^ Smith, Thomas (30 September 2016). "IDLES Namecheck Mary Berry On Punk Anthem 'Well Done'". NME. Retrieved 31 August 2019.
  15. ^ "Premiere: IDLES – 'Divide And Conquer'". Clash Magazine. 31 August 2016. Retrieved 31 August 2019.
  16. ^ Smith, Thomas (2016) "New Music Of The Day: IDLES Namecheck Mary Berry On Punk Anthem 'Well Done'", NME, 30 September 2016. Retrieved 10 July 2017
  17. ^ Murray, Robin (2016) "Premiere: IDLES – 'Divide And Conquer'", Clash, 31 August 2016. Retrieved 10 July 2017
  18. ^ Goodman, Jessica (2017) "Idles – Brutalism", DIY. Retrieved 8 July 2017
  19. ^ Day, Laurence (2017) "Idles are one of the most exciting British bands right now", Line of Best Fit, 16 March 2017. Retrieved 8 July 2017
  20. ^ King, Ian (2017) "Idles Brutalism", PopMatters, 10 March 2017. Retrieved 8 July 2017
  21. ^ "Idles – Brutalism", Uncut, April 2017, p. 32
  22. ^ Yates, Jonathan (2017) "Everything you need to know about The Maccabees farewell shows at Alexandra Palace", getSurrey.co.uk, 28 June 2017. Retrieved 8 July 2017
  23. ^ Beauvallet, JD, (2017) "Des Idles aux Parcels : une deuxième soirée tout en contrastes aux Eurockéennes", Les Inrocks, 8 July 2017. Retrieved 8 July 2017
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  26. ^ a b Daly, Rhian (12 January 2019). "IDLES, The 1975, and Dua Lipa amongst stars nominated for 2019 BRIT Awards". NME. Retrieved 24 January 2019.
  27. ^ a b "Kerrang! Awards 2019: Here's the Full List of Winners". Kerrang!. 19 June 2019. Retrieved 19 June 2019.
  28. ^ Reilly, Nick (9 December 2019). "Watch Idles play defiant new track 'Grounds' at massive Ally Pally show". NME. Retrieved 21 September 2020.
  29. ^ a b Skinner, Tom (16 June 2020). "IDLES announce third album 'Ultra Mono' and share new track 'Grounds'". NME. Retrieved 17 June 2020.
  30. ^ Berlin Music Video Awards (7 May 2021). "Nominees 2020". Berlinmva.com. Retrieved 7 May 2021.
  31. ^ Robb, John (18 September 2020). "IDLES : Ultra Mono – album review". Louder than War. Retrieved 21 September 2020.
  32. ^ Clarke, Patrick (20 July 2021). "IDLES and Slowthai team up for intense new version of 'Model Village'". NME. BandLab Technologies. Retrieved 6 May 2022.
  33. ^ "A2IM Libera Awards 2021 winners". Liberaawards.com. Archived from the original on 19 October 2021. Retrieved 21 September 2021.
  34. ^ Chesler, Josh. "Sharon Van Etten Shares IDLES' Cover Of 'Peace Signs' From Upcoming Epic Ten Album". Spin. Retrieved 6 May 2022.
  35. ^ Chelosky, Danielle (27 May 2021). "IDLES – "Damaged Goods" (Gang Of Four Cover)". Stereogum. Stereogum Media. Retrieved 6 May 2022.
  36. ^ He, Richard S. (10 September 2021). "Every Metallica Blacklist cover ranked from worst to best". Loudersound.com. Retrieved 24 October 2021.
  37. ^ Bloom, Madison (28 September 2021). "Idles Announce New Album Crawler, Share Video for New Song: Watch". Pitchfork. Retrieved 28 September 2021.
  38. ^ Daly, Rhian (3 November 2021). "Watch IDLES' video for abrasive new single 'Car Crash'". NME. Retrieved 22 February 2022.
  39. ^ Mitchell, Matt (11 November 2021). "IDLES Emerge from Quiet Spaces with Fearless Ferocity on CRAWLER". Paste. Retrieved 22 February 2022.
  40. ^ Morris, Damien (14 November 2021). "Idles: Crawler review – thrilling, glass-gargling introspection". The Guardian. Retrieved 22 February 2022.
  41. ^ Berman, Stuart (17 November 2021). "IDLES: Crawler – Album Review". Pitchfork. Retrieved 22 February 2022.
  42. ^ Golsen, Tyler (14 December 2021). "IDLES release new video for 'When the Lights Come On'". Far Out Magazine. Retrieved 22 February 2022.
  43. ^ Ackroyd, Steven (8 February 2022). "IDLES have debuted a new video for 'Crawl!'". Dork. Retrieved 22 February 2022.
  44. ^ Blueskye, Brian. "Coachella 2022: IDLES follows Arcade Fire on Mojave stage". Desert Sun. Retrieved 6 May 2022.
  45. ^ Trendell, Andrew (18 October 2023). "Idles share 'Dancer' and tell us about "transgressive" new album Tangk". NME. Retrieved 18 October 2023.
  46. ^ "The 50 best songs of 2023". NME. Retrieved 6 January 2023.
  47. ^ Dunworth, Liberty. "Idles share soulful new single 'Grace'". NME. Retrieved 6 January 2023.
  48. ^ Mega, Aidan (3 February 2024). "Idles break free from the reins on 'Gift Horse'". Atwood Magazine. Retrieved 3 February 2024.
  49. ^ Chelosky, Danielle (15 February 2024). "IDLES Deepfake Coldplay's Chris Martin For New "Grace" Video". Stereogum. Stereogum Media.
  50. ^ "IDLES Finds "Freudenfreude" In "POP POP POP" Music Video". idobi. Retrieved 10 May 2024.
  51. ^ Beaumont, Mark (30 August 2018). "Idles, Joy as an Act of Resistance album review: Punk rockers place vulnerability and empathy front and centre". The Independent. Retrieved 17 November 2018.
  52. ^ Stiernberg, Bonnie (21 August 2018). "How Idles Used Punk Rock To Fight Through Grief". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 17 November 2018.
  53. ^ Beaumont, Mark (6 April 2017). "Post-Brexit punk and austerity anthems – 2017's political rock resurgence". The Guardian. Retrieved 12 December 2017.
  54. ^ Hendrickson, Matt (22 September 2020). "Idles Are Throwing a Post-Punk Revolution, and Everyone's Invited". The New York Times. Retrieved 12 May 2024.
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  56. ^ Hann, Michael (24 November 2017). "Idles deliver a blast of rage and joy at Village Underground, London". Financial Times. Retrieved 12 May 2024.
  57. ^ Wray, Daniel Dylan (22 March 2018). "Meet IDLES, Punk's Most Savage Good Boys". Vice Media. Retrieved 17 November 2018.
  58. ^ Rimmer, Jonathan (20 August 2018). "Idles On Creating Positive Punk in a Climate of Fear". The Skinny. Retrieved 12 May 2024.
  59. ^ [1] [dead link]
  60. ^ "IDLES. GLASTONBURY PRESENTS: LIVE AT WORTHY FARM. 'WAR' | Film | D U G D a L E". 4 February 2023.
  61. ^ "Idles - September 2nd, 2022 in Kansas City, MO".
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  64. ^ "2025 GRAMMYs: See The OFFICIAL Full Nominations List". GRAMMYs. 8 November 2024. Retrieved 16 November 2024.
  65. ^ Ainsley, Helen (23 May 2019). "The 2019 Ivor Novello Awards winners have been announced, including Mariah Carey, Wiley and The 1975". Official Charts. Retrieved 20 November 2021.
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  67. ^ "Phoebe Bridgers, Run the Jewels & Perfume Genius Among Top Nominees For 2021 Libera Awards". Billboard. Retrieved 14 June 2021.
  68. ^ Aswad, Jem (23 March 2022). "Japanese Breakfast, Jason Isbell, Arlo Parks Lead Indie-Music Collective A2IM's 2022 Libera Awards Nominees". Variety. Retrieved 25 March 2022.
  69. ^ Aswad, Jem (22 March 2023). "Wet Leg Leads Nominations for A2IM's Indie Libera Awards". Variety. Retrieved 22 March 2023.
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  71. ^ Edelstone, Steven; Manno, Lizzie (25 July 2019). "2019 Mercury Prize Nominations Announced: Predictions, Snubs and More". Paste Magazine. Retrieved 29 July 2019.
  72. ^ Trendell, Andrew (20 January 2020). "NME Awards 2020: Full list of nominations revealed". NME. Retrieved 1 August 2021.
  73. ^ Trendell, Andrew (27 January 2022). "BandLab NME Awards 2022: Full list of nominations revealed". NME. Retrieved 27 January 2022.
  74. ^ Arthur, Andrew (12 September 2018). "Idles and Arctic Monkeys lead nominations for 2018 Q Awards". Independent. Retrieved 1 August 2021.
  75. ^ "UK Music Video Awards 2020: all the nominations!". Promonews. Retrieved 29 September 2020.
  76. ^ "UK Music Video Awards 2022: all the nominations for this year's UKMVAs". Promonews. 28 September 2022. Retrieved 28 September 2022.
  77. ^ "UK Music Video Awards 2024: all the nominations for this year's UKMVAs". Promonews. 25 September 2024. Retrieved 27 September 2024.
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