IDLES - Joy
As An Act Of Resistance. (Partisan Records)
What a solid second album from Bristol punkers, IDLES! Their
self-released, politically charged debut record, Brutalism, from just last year,
tackled some difficult topics with some aplomb, and was subsequently widely acclaimed
by press and fans alike. It’s always tricky following a cracking debut, but Joy
As An Act Of Resistance. will surely find them on or around the top of those
lists that music mags like to run at the end of the year. Again they’re hitting
targets hard, employing a lyrical dexterity that gets to the heart of the
subject with the minimum of bullshit - and combining them with hooks and
choruses that stick, making them doubly effective.
Beginning with scratchy drums, album opener ‘Colossus’ instantly
builds tension, and that’s maintained until the wave breaks around a third of
the way through. Out of that squall comes a densely riffed coda, full of noisy
melody and repeated phrases. Damn catchy, instantly addictive and a fine start.
‘Never Fight A Man With A Perm’ in funny and full on – and comes with the best
title of the year, so far. ‘I’m Scum’ is delivered with a rigid centre digit
held defiantly aloft, and the biting dissection that is ‘Love Song’ brings to
mind classic PiL, without ever sounding much like them. ‘June’ feels intensely,
deeply personal and is utterly affecting, and Brexit lambast ‘Great’ gets to
the point instantly, and then like a dog with bone, it just doesn’t let go.
Jonesy
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