When IDLES snuck in between the shadows and sauntered onto the stage at Boston’s Roadrunner on September 24th, the tension that filled the room made it clear that this would be more than just your ordinary, run-of-the-mill concert. It became a communal experience, a cathartic release, and a testament to the power of the band’s music and its ability to unite and inspire. From the moment frontman Joe Talbot stepped into the spotlight, his energy was palpable. His voice, raw and gritty, would later pierce through the crowd like a battle cry throughout the evening. The band’s furious blend of post-punk, hardcore, and alt-rock music was a sonic assault that left the audience breathless.
Currently promoting their acclaimed new release TANGK, the night’s setlist was ultimately a whirlwind tour through IDLES’ discography, featuring tracks from their esteemed albums “Brutalism,” “Joy as an Act of Resistance,” “Ultra Mono,” and “Crawler.” Songs like “Mother”, “Colossus” and “Danny Nedelko” ignited the crowd into a frenzy of mosh pits. Talbot’s lyrics, filled with social commentary, political rage, and personal anguish, resonated deeply with the audience.
While Joe Talbot’s charismatic stage presence and powerful vocals are often the focus of attention, IDLES is a formidable unit that relies on the talents of four other exceptional musicians. The band’s guitarists, Mark Bowen and Lee Kiernan, deliver blistering riffs and infectious melodies that drive the music forward. Their playing is both primal and visceral, adding a layer of intensity to the sound. Adam Devonshire provides a solid foundation on bass with his focused and bellowing delivery. His playing is rhythmic and melodic, complementing Jones’ guitar work and adding depth to the songs. Jon Beavis’ drumming is a driving force as well. His powerful and precise playing adds a sense of urgency and energy to the band’s frenetic performances.
Together, these five musicians create a unique and powerful wall of sound that has captivated audiences worldwide. Their chemistry on stage is undeniable, and their commitment to their craft is evident in every performance. But it wasn’t just the music that made the show so special. It was the connection between the band and the crowd. Talbot and company seemed to feed off the audience’s energy and vice versa. As if by osmosis, Talbot encouraged the crowd to sing along, dance, and let loose at every opportunity. It was a sense of community and solidarity that was truly infectious.
The crowd was immediately captivated by the first song, “IDEA 01”, the opening track from TANGK. The song’s billowing gravity set the emotional foundation for the rest of the night as the band seamlessly transitioned into their more familiar and formidable anthems. Other highlights of the show included the band’s performance of “Colossus”, which found Talbot kindly requesting that the sardine-packed collection of fans on the floor to separate during the song’s break only to erupt back into angry sea of music-loving revelers. “I’m Scum,” which Talbot prefaced with a lengthy but poignant diatribe about his disapproval of the recent execution of Marcellus Williams, was unmerciful and an anthem for those who have felt less than worthy at some points in their lives. “Benzocaine”, performed with a clear sense of raw emotion, was a poignant reflection on the challenges of addiction and recovery and was delivered with genuine intensity. Talbot’s vocals were particularly abrasive as he continued through the two-hour set of the napalm-fueled musical journey.
As the night drew to a close, IDLES stopped playing and cajoled to the audience’s thunderous ovation. The night’s warmup act, English Teacher was invited back on stage to jam through “Rottweiler” as a collective with IDLES. Members shared or switched instruments while others found their way to into the crowd to surf while playing guitars. IDLES’ music is a powerful force for change, and their live shows are a testament to the enduring power of rock and roll. It’s no surprise that the Bristol-based post-punk band, known for their raw and unrelenting performances, has gained a mammoth following in just the past few years (including a recent Mercury Prize award), and their show in Boston was another example of why.
