IDLES
The Paramount // Seattle, WA // May 7, 2024
Photos and review by Rachael Dowd
IDLES made their long-awaited return to Seattle on Tuesday night and were welcomed by a sea of sweaty, pulsating bodies who were ready to hear new favorites off of the band’s latest album, TANGK, as well as old hits that helped solidify IDLES in the genre. As the first of two nights in Seattle, the magnetic force IDLES brings to the stage was felt the moment each member walked out in front of the crowd.
IDLES’ music, particularly the edgy tracks on 2021’s CRAWLER and several from TANGK, doesn’t shy away from darkness. Whether it’s the buzzing guitars of Lee Kiernan and Mark Bowen or Joe Talbot’s lyrical explorations of trauma, addiction, mortality, and fascism, there’s a palpable intensity. Yet, as Talbot insists, these songs are love songs, intended to connect the crowd. Rather than confrontation, their message is one of embracing unity and compassion.
Tuesday’s performance underscored a key aspect of the IDLES live concert experience. Their unabashed political stance was on full display. Talbot used the stage to rally the audience, leading chants and advocating for causes like ceasefire and solidarity with Palestine. Talbot even orchestrated an audience-wide chant of “fuck the king” at one point during the night.
The setlist featured politically charged anthems like “Danny Nedelko” and “I’m Scum,” which resonated deeply with the crowd. Additionally, Talbot’s reflections on masculinity, parenthood, and violence, particularly in songs like “Colossus” and “The Wheel,” were made more poignant by the prevailing atmosphere of acceptance and love.
In between songs, Talbot expressed gratitude, emphasizing the band’s commitment to making a positive impact through their music. The intimacy of the Paramount Theater allowed for a genuine sense of connection among the audience, contrasting with larger venues where such amalgamation might be harder to achieve.
Ultimately, the essence of an IDLES show lies in fostering a collective spirit of unity and joy. In the midst of the crowd’s ecstatic energy, there is no room for aggression, only shared celebration. Whether someone is crowd surfing or falling, the ethos remains the same: lift each other up, and above all, stand together in unity.
