Release date: February 16, 2024
Until recently, they was the mainstay of Peaky Blinders teasers alongside Arctic Monkeys. So it is not surprising to see big names of behind their new record. Collaborations with Radiohead producer Nigel Goodrich and renowned hip-hop producer Kenny Beats allowed IDLES to break into new sonic territory. This album, by distancing itself from their previous works, which were mainly limited to confronting one’s inner challenges and social complexes, now defines its position towards love, happiness and gratitude. Godrich’s influence on the sound of this record is undeniable. For example, on “Pop Pop Pop” he clearly doesn’t let the distorted guitars ruin the atmosphere and instead leaves some space for himself to maneuver with the synth pad and drum machines. Or in “Idea 01” which is formed around a strange yet familiar piano pattern while noisy 808s, basslines and even vocal harmonies come straight out of the world of Radiohead.
Talbot’s singing potential has also been used effectively. “Roy” and “A Gospel” validating this point well and represent the tone of the album to a great extent. The cinematic atmosphere of “A Gospel” with its tight orchestral arrangement and its melancholic piano, has created one of the most decent outputs of the band to date. Talbot’s spikey honesty plays a prominent role in depicting the complexities of human relationships. Whether he’s singing about new love or heartbreak, his words resonate with an honesty that’s unprecedented and deeply moving.
The album’s lyrical strength shines in songs like “Gratitude” and his ability to confront challenging internal issues while offering listeners a sense of catharsis and solidarity.
Idols on TANGK explore multi-layered textures, intricate arrangements, and diverse influences from hardcore to electronic music. This evolution shows the maturity and sophistication in songwriting and production that reflects their growth over the years.
Despite these changes, the album retains the raw, unfiltered energy that the Idols are known for. Tracks like “Hall & Oates” or “Gift Horse” are still wild and tense, with the same pounding rhythms and the same chaotic guitar riffs that scratches the soul. Joe Talbot also moves delicately between fragile whispers and ear-splitting screams.
Undoubtedly, one of the highlights of the album is “Dancer” which features James Murphy from LCD Soundsystem in its chorus.
As IDLES barely maintains their punk essence on TANGK, it may not be the album that long-time fans expect, but it’s a different and listenable production that could become one of the milestones in the band’s career. Softcore punk is perhaps the right definition for this album and the current mood of IDLES!
