Bristol-based punk outfit, Idles, mark their third return in quick succession with an album unabashedly convinced by its own mantra. “I am I” is a guiding light for us and Idles’ nomadically expressive latest LP, Ultra Mono.
Even if you’re not wholly aware of the abrasive punk-resurgents Idles, there shouldn’t be too much surprise at this defining quote taken straight from the horse’s mouth of frontman Joe Talbot. As the messianic leader of Idles’ fortified network of fans, AF Gang, Talbot includes other warranted terms to be “self-acceptance”, “united”, “empowerment”, and “beautiful” - rightfully supporting their yearning masses over the past 3 and ½ years since their debut LP.
After crossing through various storms of emotional turmoil marred by cases of death and decay, which anchored 2017’s Brutalism, the punk outfit now feel the burgeoning need to give back to their disciples after becoming recently inundated with a smattering of popular awards and accolades. And in the most punk way possible, Idles deliver with a simplified mantra of “I am I”. Striking us with a rod of holistic lighting mid-lockdown, the initial singles ‘Mr. Motivator’ and ‘Grounds’ imminently re-assimilate us back into their effervescent blend of mantra-driven punk coupled with niche pop culture references, forever chastened to a channel of self-belief.
In spite of epitomising punk’s recent resurgence, the myriad of chants embedded here undoubtedly signify throwbacks to a Ramones/Clash era. From ‘Ne Touche Pas Moi’s cries of “consent” to “carcinogenic” and “unify”, Idles offer a pastiche trajectory, simultaneously inviting other such nuanced qualities from Neu and Suicide. Perhaps due to the heavily sought-after hands of producer Kenny Beats on a smattering of tracks, the distorted metallic tones, beat switches, vocal expressions (including animal noises) vigorously pull us back, time and again, into the frenetic affront of Idles’ coaxing concoction.
While some critics have been assertive in their now-stale findings of this concoction, there’s a personal admiration for Idles’ non-chalant musical explorations which are maintained and harnessed throughout this LP. One such glimmering example in its brooding vibrance, ‘Reigns’, much like the tumultuous post-rock brethren of Daughters, brilliantly pairs feverishly gritty verses with incandescent choruses soon transcending into a sax-stacked pit of chaos.
From here we see Talbot configuring himself in moments of calm, introspective despair. “I want to be loved / everybody does / shame” wallows amidst a fog of post-punk ambiance toward the finishing line of Ultra Mono, marking a need for self-reflection during such vignettes of solitude lately. With this in mind, concluder 'Danke' allows the band to play us out on this fast-submerging ship of 2020, offering one last breath of “I am I” permeating through the LP’s concluding silence. Conjuring something of a familial spirit, Idles want and will you to carry on in your name.
Talbot’s reaffirmed outfit, Idles, has returned yet again with another explorative LP going toe-to-toe many-a-time with their breakout 2018 LP, Joy as an Act of Resistance. Perhaps not all of the tracks live up to the consistency of last time, notably ‘Anxiety’ and ‘The Lover’, yet Idles have strengthened their metaphor underlying the fire-branded/rocket-under-your-ass repertoire: self-acceptance. In the spirit of one of this year's best albums, let’s now repeat “I am I” to ourselves in the mirror to ensure we see ourselves through the next 6 months.
8.5/10
Idles’ latest LP, Ultra Mono, is out now and can be found here.
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