Brutalism
Brutalism hits hard, but IDLES use their anger with unusual precision. The guitars scrape, the bass and drums lock together tightly, and Joe Talbot puts a clear emphasis on almost every line. His voice sounds rough and impatient. There is also room for sadness and for jokes that sharpen the serious points.
Heel / Heal begins with a forceful stomp that immediately establishes the rhythm section's importance. The music can seem messy and threatening, but its foundation stays firm. That makes the outbursts more effective. Well Done connects an attack on social inequality with absurd humour while the band keep their parts short and purposeful.
The songs differ more than the hard sound first suggests. 1049 Gotho gives melody a larger role, with guitars and vocals complementing each other well. Divide & Conquer feels oppressive instead. On Exeter, the pace and pressure change enough to emphasise the boredom of a small town. The band do not have to keep playing faster to remain powerful.
Mother brings personal grief and social anger together in a song that is easy to sing along with. This is typical of the album: the subjects can be heavy, but the delivery stays direct. Talbot does not bury the music under long explanations. Short lines and rhythmic emphasis give his words enough weight.
Some targets are easy choices, and a few jokes come closer to caricature than sharp observation. The conviction and the playing usually prevent it becoming empty shouting. Brutalism has strong songs behind its confrontation. It is an energetic debut that makes anger understandable without losing the sadness or the sense of humour.
