Idles
When a band describes themselves as ‘a proper five-piece guitar band’, it’s impossible not to be impressed at their bravery and self belief. This is exactly what post-punk/new wave unit Idles have done, going on to say that ‘with a punk ethic that transfers itself into their incendiary live shows, word is travelling fast about Idles’, which once again lures me into want to hear more. We were sent though a copy of their Welcome EP to check out what was going on – so I hit play to see whether they are indeed a proper guitar band!
As Idles gets things going we’re shown a calm and laid back place, a place where the guitars echo around and create an atmospheric approach, transporting you to a place where the music engulfs you and ensures you’re listening to everything going on. Building in power as the track grows around you, it’s impossible not to be drawn into the sound here, it’s like driving at night when the lights are flying by and you’re on your own…it’s a solitary journey into the track which evokes images and visions in your mind and sits you back to simply listen. There’s no urgency to this track which is half of the appeal I think, it sort of moves naturally through the track without sounding rushed or pressured, and simply allows you to take everything in.
As MEYDEI comes in to take the lead this approach changes and suddenly the approach adopts a more upbeat and uptempo style, this time adding in that sense of urgency which was left out of the first track. More conventionally indie style in this track, the mood which creeps over you is one of movement, the sort of thing which you know is going to get crowds jumping, singing and moving along to the sounds of the band from the moment the track kicks off. Two Tone continues this style and straight away continues where the previous track left off, once again throwing you into a throbbing melee of guitar work, drums and aggressive vocal lines. Powerful and full of attitude from the word go, this track demonstrates the heavier roots of the band and shows that this is a group who are capable of adapting their style when the need takes them, sometimes choosing to go for soft and at other times, hammering out tracks which will get the venues pumping. Full to the brim with technical snippets and moments which secure them as one to watch, this is a definite high point on the EP and a track you need to check out.
Closing with Germany there’s one last surprise in store, initially returning to the dark and atmospheric approach of the opening track and crafting a dark and ominous opening to things. Soon returning to the more upbeat ‘new wave’ approach to move forwards, there’s a sense of retro stylings running through this track , somehow combining an updated approach with a sense of old school classical punk rock and new wave mastery. As a closing track this is almost a cliff hanger of an ending, seemingly leaving the EP at a place which is perfect to be continued from and suggesting that there’s still a hell of a lot more to come from these guys.
I like the confidence that Idles have got in themselves, and it’s something which is reflected in their music. As an EP, this is a damned good starting point as it seems to have showcased the bands style and their ability to rove between the heavy and soft spectrums, as well as leaving at a point where it seems there is going to be something bigger and better to follow. As a band to keep an eye out for, this is one for sure – I look forward to seeing what comes next!
To find out more about Idles, check out their Facebook page HERE.
Words: Dave Nicholls
As Idles gets things going we’re shown a calm and laid back place, a place where the guitars echo around and create an atmospheric approach, transporting you to a place where the music engulfs you and ensures you’re listening to everything going on. Building in power as the track grows around you, it’s impossible not to be drawn into the sound here, it’s like driving at night when the lights are flying by and you’re on your own…it’s a solitary journey into the track which evokes images and visions in your mind and sits you back to simply listen. There’s no urgency to this track which is half of the appeal I think, it sort of moves naturally through the track without sounding rushed or pressured, and simply allows you to take everything in.
As MEYDEI comes in to take the lead this approach changes and suddenly the approach adopts a more upbeat and uptempo style, this time adding in that sense of urgency which was left out of the first track. More conventionally indie style in this track, the mood which creeps over you is one of movement, the sort of thing which you know is going to get crowds jumping, singing and moving along to the sounds of the band from the moment the track kicks off. Two Tone continues this style and straight away continues where the previous track left off, once again throwing you into a throbbing melee of guitar work, drums and aggressive vocal lines. Powerful and full of attitude from the word go, this track demonstrates the heavier roots of the band and shows that this is a group who are capable of adapting their style when the need takes them, sometimes choosing to go for soft and at other times, hammering out tracks which will get the venues pumping. Full to the brim with technical snippets and moments which secure them as one to watch, this is a definite high point on the EP and a track you need to check out.
Closing with Germany there’s one last surprise in store, initially returning to the dark and atmospheric approach of the opening track and crafting a dark and ominous opening to things. Soon returning to the more upbeat ‘new wave’ approach to move forwards, there’s a sense of retro stylings running through this track , somehow combining an updated approach with a sense of old school classical punk rock and new wave mastery. As a closing track this is almost a cliff hanger of an ending, seemingly leaving the EP at a place which is perfect to be continued from and suggesting that there’s still a hell of a lot more to come from these guys.
I like the confidence that Idles have got in themselves, and it’s something which is reflected in their music. As an EP, this is a damned good starting point as it seems to have showcased the bands style and their ability to rove between the heavy and soft spectrums, as well as leaving at a point where it seems there is going to be something bigger and better to follow. As a band to keep an eye out for, this is one for sure – I look forward to seeing what comes next!
To find out more about Idles, check out their Facebook page HERE.
Words: Dave Nicholls