We’re dancing cheek to cheek tonight with two sold-out IDLES shows this week. Night one introduced us to the carnage, but they really upped the anti on night two. Welcome to the stage…
IDLES
Honest lyricism, rising crescendos and the general feeling that you’re watching an intimate jam session is what makes Willie J Healey effortlessly relatable. Although somewhat of a disparity between his music and our headliner, the wonderfully relaxed atmosphere – especially given that we’re near full capacity from the get-go! – is deep and soulful, yet gritty when it needs to be.
As soon as that final note rings true, it’s like the heavens have opened and the only shelter from it is upon the main floor. Swarming from the sides of the room, it’s claustrophobically cozy within the crowd; if you’re not catching the sweat on your shoulder of the patron beside you, are you really at a punk gig?
The success of IDLES has been a tale all to itself. An arduous buildup of a fanbase over the years, strained relationships, and now the explosive reception that their latest album TANGK received being the pinnacle of what makes punk bands pop. An IDLES 2.0 if you would, showing a softer side to the world. The albums opener IDEA 01 kicks off their set tonight with a flurry of snow projected onto the backdrop, the tinkling of the piano keys being the only recognition the band is on stage amidst the darkness. Once those stage lights puncture and prod at our eyes with blinding clarity, you’ll notice the band are dressed in resplendent crimson and violet dresses (thankfully complete with shorts underneath).
“You are a beautiful f**king audience – thank you for making us feel so welcome!”
Colossus lands the first punch to the crowd, gearing us up as we vibrate alongside one another. It’s clearly not enough for the band. We’re asked to split ourselves into two halves for Gift Horse – “Are you ready to collide, Nottingham?!” – and so the beer and bodies go flying. The folk who aren’t quite prepared for what an IDLES pit is like try to make an exodus to safety, yet with a pit going as far back as the sound desk, it was a daunting task.
Guitarist Mark Bowen is steadfast in his strumming and galloping, choosing to ‘ride’ his guitar across the stage. Those opening screeches of Car Crash leave us with no respite in our moshing, a continued flurry of pints making their way through the air. We’re just as defiant during I’m Scum, choosing to throw our energy into our fists and our chants. Eventually diving onto the floor himself (and about time, honestly!), Benzocaine urges the crowd to spin a circle pit and get momentum going around Bowen.
Although it’s not all full throttle – The Wheel, dedicated to frontman Joe Talbot’s mother and the conversation around mental health, is a cathartic moment for both band and crowd. Gratitude similarly gives us respite, yet you cannot deny the surprising energy for Dancer. Receiving as big as a reception as some of the classics, surprising Talbot as he asked for the house lights to be turned up. It was as good as an encore as any!
IDLES PERFORMED WEDNESDAY 25TH/26TH NOVEMBER
WORDS: TALIA ROBINSON
ROCK CITY NOTTINGHAM
We’re not only Nottingham’s favourite venue and nightclub – we’re the UK’s best live venue with a rich history of performers that have played here. Big up IDLES for putting on TWO crackin’ sold out shows!
Also while you’re at it, why not check out our gig guide and see if any other of your favourite artists like IDLES are playing soon! We also have our club nights on a Thursday (Tuned), Friday (Get Lucky) and Saturday (Rebel Rebel) so check those out too!
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