In the last couple of years The Piece Hall has cemented its summer programme as one of the most anticipated of the year. Having grown it’s reputation as a venue that every act wants to tick off and by finding a pitch perfect balance between nostalgia and new, the series of gigs that run from May to August each year are eagerly awaited and have yet to disappoint. This years series being no different, with at least half a dozen nights we were checking diaries against.
Tonight comes the turn of one of the most popular bands in the land to take to the heritage square. IDLES are navigating an intriguing phase in their career, showcased by the heightened experimentation of their latest album, TANGK. Following the rabid success of Joy as an Act of Resistance, which strained relationships within the band and with their families, frontman Joe Talbot and his bandmates have emerged in a better headspace. This renewed clarity is evident in here at The Piece Hall in the heart of Halifax. A band who are comfortable, in control and well and truly at the top of their game. IDLES have never been better.
The band kick off with IDEA 01, illustrating their new softer sound, unmistakably influenced by Radiohead producer Nigel Godrich. Joe Talbot prowls the stage, milking the long intro as the fans tense themselves like springs waiting for the band to propel themselves and the evening into the high energy collaboration between act and audience IDLES shows have become infamous for.
It’s not a long wait, the band launch into Colossus and not a moment later guitarist Lee Kiernan launches into the crowd. The atmosphere rapidly intensifies as Talbot, in his distinctive uniform of T-shirt, black pants, and sturdy black boots rests his foot on the amps and leans towards the edge to look fans in the eye, delivering the lyrics, “I am my father’s son/His shadow weighs a ton,” with raw passion and intensity as Lee audaciously crowd surfs while playing his guitar. There are so many of these moments tonight, and any night IDLES take to the stage. Moments where IDLES prove themselves an emotional force to be reckoned with. The song, which twists the solitary act of Catholic confession into a communal experience, showcases how IDLES have the ability to transform their studio versions into something much greater. They feed off the crowd more than most and it doesn’t go unnoticed or unappreciated.
One of our highlights and a noted departure from their previous material tonight is Pop Pop Pop. The track, with its blend of grime undertones and bursts of joy, reflects lead vocalist Joe Talbot’s deep emotions tied to parenthood. Talbot’s heartfelt delivery and the song’s personal significance is felt by the audience tonight, in it’s quieter moments the audience happily traded moshing for bopping, it’s encouraging for the band and probably reassuring that their fans are more than willing to evolve and go on this journey with them. All the great bands evolve, and IDLES are doing that before our very eyes. It’s an exciting time for the band and the fans. If this is a sign of things to come, we are well and truly signed up for it.
Another highlight tonight is Gift Horse, an absolute stomper from their latest album. The mosh pit begins to serge, bodies and beers going everywhere, in unison. It’s great to see the new songs really take form and start to etch their own legacies with the fans. From the thrumming bassline to the kick drum which somehow mirrors the elegant yet powerful pacing of its equestrian theme, striking a balance between steely electronica and post-punk grit. The song is a perfect example of how the band have a unique gift (pun indented) in blending their raw energy with sophisticated layers of sound. You can see how the rest of the set is going to play out, maintaining high intensity with tracks like Mother, Car Crash and The Wheel, offset with moments of calmness via The Beachland Ballroom and When The Light Comes On that instead provide simmering sing alongs.
The entire night is a balancing act, with moments of chaos and also calmness, it is within this balance that IDLES set themselves apart from everybody else. Given the current change in politics here in the UK, it’s to no surprise that politically charged anthems like Divide And Conquer and Samaritans carry an extra edge to them tonight in Halifax.
The evening wrapped up with the one-two punch of Danny Nedelko and anti-fascist anthem Rottweiler. IDLES and mainly Joe, bare it all and leave it all on stage and with their audience, it’s emotionally brave and a real unique experience. Fans leave feeling all the feels, having a great time but also deeply connecting over some really brutal subject matters. Life is hard, there is no shying away from this and especially not from their front man. Taking these experiences and turning them into a positive outpour of love is one hell of a powerful thing and IDLES have it in abundance.
Viva Palestina
Go Places Do Things 