Brutalism by Idles

I enjoy watching live performances on YouTube, whether it’s  KEXP (shoutout Jenn A), Tiny Desk, Audiotree, Jam In The Van, the options are almost endless. Not to mention all the smaller channels that feature local artists, or the countless uploads by concert-goers.

While watching some other artists, I came across Idles’ From The Basement performance. So glad I did. Once I finished that one, I started looking for more, people online kept bringing up their Glastonbury performance from 2019, so I looked that up. Incredible! Check it out below. Anyway, this was all just last year, and I’ve been hooked since.

This is the 5th anniversary edition of their 2017 debut Brutalism. Fun fact, there’s an ultra rare version with Joe’s mom’s ashes pressed on the record. Would you believe people have actually flipped it on Discogs? For shame!

The songs are all pretty great, lyrics can be a little repetitive and slogany, but the rhythm section keeps things moving along. Basslines are specially fun, nothing mind blowing, just thumpy and crunchy.

Bangers: Mother, Date Night, Faith in the City, 1049 Gotho, Divide & Conquer, Rachel Koo, Slow Savage.