IDLES, Manchester Academy. 4th December 2019

Idles apparently don’t like to be called punk. They’re not punk. Could be post-punk perhaps, but aren’t all genres just pointless labels? Idles are loud, with a beautifully brutal sound. Biting modern life is rubbish politically charged lyrics are spat out, swallowed up and sung back in unison by a packed and energetic sold out Academy. It’s powerful, provocative and fucking spectacular! Joe Talbot’s monotone vocals are perfect for not only the bands motoronik rhythm, but that Dury-like tone is the sound of the people and the people here are important. There are rousing calls of support for the NHS and the need to vote. A chant for Corbyn breaks out, but doesn’t gain anywhere near as much volume as many of the bands songs, make of that what you will. I moved through the crowd though and the difference was pretty stark. At the front it was intense, full of kids and enthusiastic middle aged men, it was great, “Rock is alive and well” I thought. Edging to the middle and back though it was very different, everyone looked a bit... rooted, maybe stunned? (aside a few patrons who’d obviously just been for a wee and hadn’t yet got back in the thick of it). Despite this lot clearly needing to be in this room (they sold it out months ago), I’d much prefer to see them in a smaller space. However as the set goes on, the intensity builds and so does the audience participation... even at the back! and you’d have to be tone deaf and stupid not to be impressed. I’ve been spoilt with gigs this year and if I’m honest, this isn’t anywhere near the best, but this band are brilliant and need to be listened to.