Idles

The Profile

Idles are a British punk/post-punk band from Bristol, formed in 2009. Known for cathartic live shows and politically charged, empathetic lyrics, they broke through with Brutalism (2017) and Joy as an Act of Resistance (2018), followed by Ultra Mono, Crawler, and Tangk.

Core lineup: Joe Talbot (vocals), Mark Bowen (guitar), Lee Kiernan (guitar), Adam Devonshire (bass), Jon Beavis (drums).

Three DeBaser reviews chart Idles from Brutalism’s battering rush to Joy’s sharp, heartfelt polemics, and a sweaty 2024 Milan rite. Reviewers praise the band’s direct messages, crowd-igniting shows, and Talbot’s biting lyrics. Politics, love, and noise collide; skepticism about “pose” appears, but the music’s force wins. Standouts include Mother, Well Done, Colossus, and Rottweiler.