IDLES / Rock City / Nottingham

Nov 28

Nov 28 IDLES / Rock City / Nottingham

Another trip to Nottingham’s iconic Rock City tonight to catch IDLES on their 2024 UK tour following the release of their latest album “TANGK”. Playing back to back nights tonight and tomorrow both are sold out a long time ago. I last saw IDLES in Sheffield back in early 2022 supported by Big Joanie and Jehnny Beth. What a night that was !

In support tonight is Willie J Healey, a singer-songwriter from Oxfordshire who has released three studio albums, his debut “People and Their Dogs” (2017), “Twin Heavy” (2020) and most recently “Bunny” (2023).

As you’d expect with a sell out show, the early crowd is a decent size for Willie’s five piece band. A really good set with some impressive musicianship on display from the band supporting Willie’s gravelly vocals and infectious guitar riffs. The sound is good rock with some bluesy elements.

Very different style from the headliners and maybe that was the reason for the lukewarm energy levels from the crowd, but I really enjoyed it. Highlight tracks were Sure Feels Good and Songs for Joanna.

Setlist

She’s Heroin

Little Sister

True Stereo

Sure Feels Good

Heavy 94

My Room

Thank You

The Apple

Songs for Joanna

Fashun

Rock City is a heaving mass as we await the arrival on stage of IDLES, who are Joe Talbot (vocals), Mark Bowen (guitar), Adam Devonshire (bass), Lee Kiernan (guitar), and Jon Beavis (drums). Formed in 2009, they’ve come a long way since playing small gigs in the likes of the Louisiana.They have released five studio albums, their debut “Brutalism” (2017), “Joy as an Act of Resistance” (2018), “Ultra Mono”(2020), “Crawler (2021) and most recently “TANGK” earlier this year which ewas their second number one album (after Ultra Mono).

Despite a reputation for feisty raucous live shows, IDLES are committed to community and a safe gig environment for all to enjoy their music, and this runs deep through their huge online following through the AF Gang.

The lights go dim, and into the gloom step the band who take up their positions, followed by Joe and they kick things off with Idea oi from the latest album “TANGK”. Unfortunately the first track sees Joe struggling with his equipment, and appears to have issues with his wireless monitor and mic, resulting in trips to the back of the stage and conversations with the tech team. It doesn’t feel very slick considering the set up time and out of place for such a high profile band, but the issues are soon put firmly behind them as they roll into Colossus with it’s instantly recognisable drum stick tapping rhythmic intro from Jon Beavis. A natural opener, building slowly, building atmosphere until it unleashes its full ferocity. It sees the first foray into the audience as guitarist Lee dives in with gusto. The atmosphere reaches fever pitch with Gift Horse and doesn’t really drop once until the end. The pit starts in earnest and everyone sings along to the chorus sections “Look at him go” !!!! It sounds glorious.

IDLES clearly haven’t lost their gritty edge !

One of my favourite tracks from recent albums Mr Motivator is next which Joe dedicates to local legends the Sleaford Mods (possibly tongue firmly in cheek). We head back to “Brutalism” for a fan favourite in Mother which everyone shout along to with passion. It’s followed by Car Crash from “Crawler”. One of my favourite tracks from that album and this one translates to a live set brilliantly, with Alan ‘Dev’ Devonshire’s simple, repetitive bass underpinning the frantic effect laden guitars from Bowen and Lee.

You know what’s coming next as Joe starts to jog on the spot and I’m Scum hits us from “Joy As An Act of Resistance” rings out and showcases their punk intensity and anger to the max, the fans are up again and bouncing around, screaming out the lyrics, embracing and proud of who they are !

With such a great back catalogue behind them, the set is packed with fan favourites such as 1049 Gotho and Heel/Heal (Brutalism 2017) and Never Fight a Man With a Perm (Joy as an Act of Resistance 2018). Each one has the crowd swirling in the pit and singing along to as they crash around the dancefloor. The energy in the room is just electric, stirred constantly by the onstage antics of guitarists Lee and Bowen as they dart around the stage erratically, Bowen in his best Sunday dress. Benzocaine sees both surfing the crowd at the same time, keeping security fully busy !

Beachland Ballroom is an absolute stunner and I have to say, my favourite track from 2021’s “Crawler”. A tribute to the small venues, so important to the birth and development of new bands, helping them to reach their potential delivered in a wonderful soulful, swaying format. The pace is slower giving the crowd a much needed breather, as they sway in time to the mellow tonesThe lyrics are wonderful and emotionally delivered Joe. Brilliant.

Joe shouts out “Nottingham….. shall we dance?!” and the crowd roar as Dancer rings out. A standout track from “TANGK” its an absolute blast live !

As the set closes we enjoy Danny Nedelko and Rottweiler (both from Joy as an Act of Resistance 2018). Both are fan favourites, Danny Nedelko their iconic pro-immigration anthem which the crowd sing along to in unison, a song about love and unity with one of the best lyrics I know “Fear leads to panic, panic leads to pain. Pain leads to anger, anger leads to hate” each line sung loud and proud by every voice in the room ! The song is named after Danny Nedelko, an immigrant from the Ukraine, close friend of the bands and frontman of the band Heavy Lungs.

IDLES as ever did not disappoint. I’d love to have the classic Divide & Conquer (Brutalism 2017) and Model Village (Ultra Mono 2020) in the set list, but the thing is, with each new album, there are more and more great new tracks, and some have to make way. Damn you IDLES for being so good !

An amazing night, packed with energy from the band, which was equalled by the heaving massed crowd. IDLES are a live experience like no other, and one every gig goer should experience at least once in their lives.

Setlist

Idea 01 (TANGK 2024)

Colossus (Joy as an Act of Resistance 2018)

Gift Horse (TANGK 2024)

Mr Motivator (Ultra Mono 2020)

Mother (Brutalism 2017)

Car Crash (Crawler 2021)

I’m Scum (Joy as an Act of Resistance 2018)

Roy (TANGK 2024)

1049 Gotho (Brutalism 2017)

Jungle (TANGK 2024)

The Wheel (Crawler 2021)