Words by Will Jones
Image courtesy of Sonic PR
IDLES have become the adoptive fathers of a revived post-punk genre. Ultra Mono only further cements their place at the head of the army ÔÇô generals ordering their growing fanbase to unite and fight.
Despite resounding acclaim for Brutalism (2017) and Mercury Prize-nominated Joy as an Act of Resistance (2018), this is the first time that the 5-piece are releasing a record to a hungry, and now very populous, faction of troops. These troops will be bountifully stocked and satisfied with the ammunition provided by lead singer Joe Talbot and co. on Ultra Mono.
The opening track, War, delivers guitar licks that almost echo the stark cries of a wailing child, but they still sit comfortably atop rolling drums. The song is repeatedly interrupted by walls of distorted noise; Talbot is angry, and heÔÇÖs ÔÇ£gunning for the stone-faced liarsÔÇØ. Swiftly following is the stand-out single Grounds, which successfully fuses hip-hop and dance elements with the bandÔÇÖs unique brand of arrant post-punk that has placed them at the forefront of the genre. The drums skip in time with the snarly vocals whilst a fleeting ascending riff closes each line, and the lyrics continue the overarching theme of war: ÔÇ£Do you hear that thunder? ThatÔÇÖs the sound of strength in numbers.ÔÇØ This isnÔÇÖt the only auditory experiment on Ultra Mono. Kill Them With Kindness brings with it a much needed piano interlude performed by jazz musician Jamie Cullum ÔÇô because, well, why not? Naturally, this is immediately disrupted by earthquake-inducing drums, a raucous guitar riff, and roaring vocals. A gratifying return to normality.
Once again, the Bristol-based band donÔÇÖt shy away from tackling contemporary social matters. On racism, Talbot declares ÔÇ£I raise my pink fist and say black is beautiful.ÔÇØ On the song Model Village, he exclaims that thereÔÇÖs a lot of ÔÇ£IÔÇÖm not a racist ÔÇÿbutÔÇÖ in the villageÔÇØ. It stands as a deeply witty and astute commentary of the racist tropes in Little England, and it might just be IDLESÔÇÖ cleverest song yet.
Whilst the album isnÔÇÖt idle, it is ultra mono in tone. They arenÔÇÖt trying to win over any new fans, they have no need to change their ways. Although this record rarely varies sonically, itÔÇÖs far from tedious. The excitement and progression of the quintet comes from their self-aware tackling of arising social issues. In a world that presents a new one every other day, IDLES have serious longevity. The battle cry on Ultra Mono? Everyone is different, and thatÔÇÖs what makes us collectively powerful.
Ultra Mono was released on September 25th via Partisan Records.
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