IDLES – “Ultra Mono” (September 25, 2020)

That’s the sound of the sword going in! IDLES kicks in the front door with “Ultra Mono”.

By Steve Forrest

I can’t even begin to find the proper words to describe this latest release from the UKs own IDLES but I’ll try. From the very start of this album, “War” kicks you in the face with killer droning guitars, aggressive and poignant lyrics, and a driving drum beat that makes your heart pound and the hairs on the back of your neck stand straight up. The album continues to thump away in a style unique to the group that has been polished over the past 10 years or so.

One thing I love about this record is the space that you’ll find in-between the notes. The detail actually lies in the subdivisions between all of the chaos and gives the songs on this album a terrific balance. The production is tight and warm, and it never lets up with the intensity.

 Lyrically, lead vocalist Joe Talbot amplifies the frustrated voice of not only the people but of himself in such a personal way that there’s no doubt these are his true thoughts and feelings, yet you can find your own voice in there with ease. There is total honesty in this record in both the writing and performance, and as each track plays, I continue to get pumped up and inspired to rock out as hard as humanly possible.

I love what this band has done for the music scene and am proud to see them finally getting the recognition they have worked so hard for all these years. IDLES have created positive, anti- misogynistic, anti-racist, anti-homophobic, HEAVY rock music that I believe will stand the test of time, and I am stoked to hear anything else they have to offer.