Seven Things We Learned Watching Idles On Their First Australian Show Of 2022

Idles are undoubtedly one of the most successful modern punk bands. Their first album, 2017's Brutalism, slipped under the radar, but those who heard it at the time knew it was something special. DIY Magazine wrote that Brutalism is "as vital as it is volatile." 

Their essential 2018 album, Joy As An Act Of Resistance, arrived at the perfect time: the record provided a solvent for rising fascism and faced toxic masculinity in its ugly face. Vocalist Joe Talbot shared sentiments of self-love, love for others, immigration, class, and searing critiques against Brexit. While the album didn't land in the top 50 ARIA Albums chart, it did place fourth on Double J's Top 50 Albums of 2018. 

The band's third album, Ultra Mono, released in 2020, was polarising amongst fans who had grown accustomed to a specific lyrical style from Talbot and were unimpressed by Ultra Mono's lack of subtlety. Despite the criticisms, the album peaked at #7 on the ARIA Albums Chart, and let me tell you, the songs go OFF live. 

Next up was their latest album, 2021's Crawler, a record that showcased Idles' growth into superb songwriters unafraid to experiment with noise rock and grindcore in just five years. 

Last night, Idles played their first show in Australia since January 2020, which was quite the experience. Here are seven things we learned from seeing the mighty Bristol punks at the Forum in Melbourne.

No encores, no bullshit

As if Idles couldn't get any cooler, they refuse to follow convention and put on an encore. You know they'd come back after a drink break, don't you? So why should they bother? The band ripped through an incredible 21-song setlist (including some shorter numbers like Wizz and The Idles Chant, which they hadn't played since September 2019) that honoured older songs, Mother and Divide And Conquer, alongside newer numbers that shined, The Wheel and the Death Grips-esque Car Crash with minimal banter. Still, when Talbot addressed the crowd, it was always received with applause and whoops.

Their Halloween costumes need work if they want to be scary

Yep, Idles performed at the Forum on Halloween. Bassist Adam Devonshire was dressed as a #1 foam hand, guitarist Lee Kiernan donned a nurse's outfit, guitarist Mark Bowen was a Christmas turkey wearing a Santa Claus hat, drummer Jon Beavis was a shark, and Talbot wore a neon pink mullet. The costumes were a bit of fun, a great addition to an already exciting night, but if they wanted to be scary, the costumes missed the mark. 

Idles fans are genuinely supportive, beautiful people

People really wanted to see Idles on a Monday night after work, which was so sick to see. The line to get into the Forum went up Hosier Lane but moved quickly once doors opened. 

Preparing for the show, I found a Facebook group entitled ALL IS LOVE: AF GANG (IDLES Community), perhaps the most extensive online community dedicated to the band, with over 33,000 members. One of the members hosted a meet-up for the AF GANG a short distance from the Forum. It was wicked meeting like-minded friends and knowing you could count on them to protect you if the pit got too rowdy and sweaty. 

I won't share anyone's name to protect their privacy, but if anyone from AF GANG reads this, you were part of why the concert was so fantastic. Any time someone accidentally pushed someone in the pit, a group of people would be there to steady them and ensure they were alright. It was a beautiful communal experience. 

You believe Joe Talbot when he says that he feels "magni-fucking-fique" or that he's a "ten-foot sneer"

Talbot is one of the most charismatic front people of any band at the moment, so you believe him when he spits ridiculous one-liners over the top of jagged riffs and heavy drum beats. 

Anyone can be moved by Samaritans, Danny Nedelko, or Mother

Idles attract diverse audiences, so it's a given that 40-something men shout along to the words, "I'm a real boy Boy, and I cry/I love myself, and I want to try/This is why you never see your father cry" with tears in their eyes alongside 20-something women.

The biggest singalongs of the night went to...

The Beachland Ballroom (genuinely surprising, newer songs don't usually go down so well), Never Fight A Man With A Perm, Colossus, and Danny Nedelko.

Expect a "fuck the King" chant 

Yep, Talbot is no fan of Britain's new monarch. Before launching into a raucous take on I'm Scum, he shared his delight at Jair Bolsonaro's defeat to Lula in the Brazillian election, saying, "this looks fucking beautiful to my liberal eyes." However, Talbot believes that the world still has a long way to go: "Fuck the King and every last pedophile-enabling one of them," he yelled, receiving massive cheers and claps from the audience. His speech led to an epic "fuck the King" chant during I'm Scum. 

Idles love Australia, and we love them. Limited tickets are available for their remaining tour dates.

IDLES

'CRAWLER' 2022 AUSTRALIAN TOUR WITH PINCH POINTS

Tuesday, 1 November - Forum, Melbourne

Wednesday, 2 November - Enmore Theatre, Sydney

Thursday, 3 November - Enmore Theatre, Sydney

Saturday, 5 November - The Gov, Adelaide

Sunday, 6 November - Fortitude Music Hall, Brisbane

Tuesday, 8 November - Astor Theatre, Perth