This album starts off with “Colossus”, which is a pretty shocking intro for a multitude of reasons. I expected IDLES to absolutely explode and tear into a ripping Punk tune. But this is a very brooding, slow-paced and genuine slow-burner of a track. While I am a little turned off by all of that, this does have the sort of level of danger and intensity that I love in my Punk Rock. Like, lead singer, Joe Talbot sounds like a damn danger to even himself, and I fucking love that. Pair that with this very tense and winding instrumental, and there is a lot to like here. But I do have to say, the Punk track that this one eventually transitions into is so much more of what I wanted to hear. It’s brutal, it’s filled with anger and Pop Culture references, often side by side, as well as progressive, modern anger that I needed right about now. But things get really cooking with “Never Fight a Man With a Perm”. This is absolutely pummeling and ruthless, as well as unbearably exciting. Like, I’ve listened to this track dozens of times by now, and I’m still on the edge of my seat. I love the Nancy Sinatra reference, as well as just how fucking ballistic this chorus really is. It’s so catchy, yet so simple. It’s just so good, yet seemingly so straightforward. I'm beyond impressed actually. You see, this is the kind of genuinely focused anger that I’m craving in Punk right now. On the other hand, “I’m Scum” sticks with the sort of very retro, snot-nosed sort of Punk that the band has dished out since their inception. There is a really strong bass groove and an undeniable attitude. But for every verse on here that I’m iffy on, IDLES find a way to reel me back in with a chorus that is just so brilliant. To me though, it does seem like IDLES have all of their anger in the right place, and it continues to be just wonderful. “I’m Scum” is another pressure cooker that I can’t deny. I do wish I was a little more into some of the verses here, but this isn’t terrible. But man oh man, do IDLES come back in a big way with “Danny Nedelko”. This isn’t only the best track here, but this may just be one of the best Punk tracks I’ve heard this year. This track is an absolute blast and aggressive banger from the first note. It’s just so damn brutal, and it has one hell of a message backing the current state of immigration. And honestly, once again, IDLES seem to have a real purpose. But not only that, they do all of this while respecting the classic sounds of Punk with major throwbacks to the Hardcore and “Oi!” movements. All while keeping things both catchy and classy.
Then we have “Love Song”, and right off the bat, I love how murky this one is. This is brooding as hell, and almost reminds me of something Savages would have done. It’s a very intense track, and Joe here just sounds so fucking vulgar and dangerous. At first, I wasn’t into the slower pace of this one. But man, this one once again is just so explosive. Not to mention, there is just an old school feel to this, as IDLES toss this entire generations politics and culture right back down our throats. And it’s brilliant. Then we have “June”, and it’s incredible just how much IDLES have learned about patience, and working into tracks the right way. This one is just so patient and actually is pretty emotional. It’s still grimy and rough though, and incredibly visceral. But man, this is a very new side to IDLES. And it’s one that I really didn’t expect to hear. But man, when those big, meaty riffs come crashing in around IDLES things get even better. It’s just so incredibly somber but in a sort of tough guy way. I didn’t know I wanted this track from IDLES, but I’m glad it’s here. Things just keep getting better with “Samaritans”. This is one of the more straightforward tracks here, with a fantastic sort of breakbeat of a riff and some groovy drums. I love just how in-your-face Joe Talbot comes off. Like, he is just so over the top, but ironically comes off so human. It’s interesting and quite frankly brilliant. In a lot of ways, this does remind me of what Shame was doing on their album from earlier this year. And yes, this isn’t the absolute explosion that IDLES' first album was. But it’s a smart follow-up album, and I have to give them credit for that. Then we have “Television” which takes things up a notch to an even more upbeat and almost Post-Punk style. I love the message on this one, as I do a lot of these tracks. But outside of that, I love the sheer aggression on this one. Honestly, I hear things like Sleaford Mods are the most Punk thing going on right now. But I feel like so many bands can learn from this. It’s crushing, but it’s also melodic just enough to really stick with you. Also, the production is just such a huge leap from the band’s last album. It’s grimy, but everything about this band is sounding great.
Then we have “Great” which is an absolute ripper. Right off the bat, this one is just so intense, and easily has some of the largest Hardcore Punk influence of the entire album. And yea, it’s GOOD. Everything about these verses leads up to this insanely simple yet catchy chorus that just works so well for IDLES. And between that and the very memorable guitars and the very gruff verses, this ends up being one of the most memorable tracks here. Then we have “Gram Rock” which is just murky and not nearly as well recorded as other tracks. But honestly, right now I needed a tune like this. Like some of their contemporaries, I listen to IDLES and feel like this is the heart of the working man. The real voice of Punk, if you will. And just when I thought this one could use a little more switching up, this one has one of the most sonically pleasing choruses that just takes things to the next level completely. It’s aggressive, but it’s also insanely catchy, including this “10 points to Gryffindor” chorus that just sticks with you. It’s totally off the rails, but brilliant, all leading up to that “My boy fucked Tom Hiddleston's stylist” outro. Yes, please. Now, if I had to grab one track that I'm just not feeling, it would be “Cry To Me”. I don’t mind the band going for a slower, more tense track. But this one just sticks out so much. I literally don’t have anything to say about it at all. But IDLES do end this album off on a ridiculously high note with “Rottweiler”. This is a fierce, gritty Hardcore Punk tune that’s fueled by a lot of the same anger that’s fueled this album. Social unrest, the need for change, anger for a cause, it’s all right here. The riff is great, the energy is frantic, and I actually love the very progressive feel to it all. Not to mention, this track just seems to literally be imploding on itself by the end and I love it.
Rating: 8.4/10
Give A Listen To: “Never Fight a Man With a Perm”, “Danny Nedelko”, “Television”, “Great”
Least Favorite Track: “Cry To Me”
Genre: Punk rock / Post-Punk / Hardcore Punk
Overall Thoughts: How do you even follow-up one of the most aggressive Punk albums of 2018? Well, of course, but expanding your sound in every way without giving an inch of weakness. This album has better production, just as visceral and cutting lyrics, and still packs an absolute wallop. There are pressure-cooker slow burners, there are streamlined Post-Punk tunes, there are anthemic throwbacks to the glory days of Punk, what even more can you ask for. I mean, yea, IDLES aren’t reinventing the wheel in any way whatsoever. But holy FUCK do they do this sound justice.
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