Concert Review: IDLES electrify sold out crowd in Nashville
By: Dylan Basden
IDLES headline Nashville for the first time in nearly six years, selling out Marathon Music Works’ garage and packing it full of punks, rockers, and scum.
A recent play at neighboring Bonnaroo, a trek across the country on the RE:Set Concert Series, a minor touring interruption in 2020, and the overall logistical nightmare of touring internationally has made for a difficult time getting the band to The Music City. In fact, this is only IDLES’ second non-festival appearance in Nashville since the band’s inception in 2009. This left fans starved, with a long line to initially enter the venue and an equally long line at the merch booth lasting up until they hit the stage.
Out in support of their new album, TANGK, the band very appropriately opened up their set with the album’s opener: “IDEA 01.” Slow, methodical, impending, this song leaves an aura of tension floating in the air. Rolling, repeating keys and a distant synthesized drum lay a groundwork for frontman Joe Talbot’s gentle plod, a rarity fans wouldn’t see much of the rest of the night. IDLES are an explosive band, so where many bands would make a statement with a big entrance, the melancholy of a downtrodden introduction seems equally as notable.
This would quickly change, as the band’s aptly named “Colossus” came into fruition. An expert transition, with the songs methodical first verse flowing with ease out of “IDEA 01’s” outro. If “IDEA 01” was the launch announcement then “Colossus” is the countdown. Mark Bowen and Lee Kiernan duel on guitars, grinding down the bone, acting as a train gaining speed down the tracks. Neither overpowers the other, even as Bowen takes led. This song just absolutely explodes, with Talbot slinging his microphone like a propeller on the downstage. There is no lack on kinetic energy amongst this band.
Another treat from the new album, “Gift Horse” continued the high-octane acceleration oof the night. Bassist Adam Devonshire laid down the groove, incorporating a dance element into IDLES’ notoriously rowdy punk experience. Jon Beavis pounds it home, adding in steady thuds and explosive fills into the chorus. Steadfast through it all, Talbot balances a stern swagger on the verses, a rapid-fire doubling of words on the pre-chorus, and an earth-shattering roar on the chorus proper. This is easily one of IDLES’ most dynamic songs, which is a tough feat amongst the competition.
If you’re prepared to be metaphorically torn apart, this is the show for you. It is fiery, it is energetic, and it is loud. After “Gift Horse” the band seemingly never slowed down again. It was hot, muggy, and packed to the gills, yet there was no lack of resolve from the crowd. You will get pushed, you will get shoved, and you will fall down, but you will also be picked right back up. The band is right there with you too, with Kiernan being no stranger to hopping in the pit. IDLES put on one of those shows that sticks in your brain, they’re like a post-it note stuck on with superglue. Go see this band.
View the full photo gallery shot by Dylan here.