Idles

September 27th, Forest Hills, Queens

Idles were fantastic when they supported LCD Soundsystem at Forrest Hills last summer. A big chunk of the crowd had come just for them. The band must have enjoyed it too as they’re coming back this September, but this time as headliners  with US Indie outfit The Walkmen supporting them.

They have a new album, Tangk, to draw from. All four of their previous albums have made the UK top 10, and this one too.

Idles are seen as a political band.  But Joe Talbot dislikes that simplification, “I have always been interested in writing about empathy and communion as a tool to fight the fascist government that we are under. I don’t see that as political. I see that as humane. I despise our government. I fucking hate them! I hate every single lie that comes out of their fucking, horrible mouths. And I hope they are crushed in the next general election.” 

But there’s far more to Idles live than righteous aggression and fury. There’s love too. Not soppy, sugary love, but love for each other, love for the oppressed.

If you like your rock to be meaningful and exhilarating in equal measure get yourself down to this tennis arena gig. You’ll leave sweaty and with a big smile on your face. You’ll feel like a winner.