Live Review: IDLES

Preceding punk rockers IDLES on a Halloween night that can be described as elegant chaos were local Melbourne band Pinch Points, who wore jumpsuits that had their names and 'Pinch Points' bolded on the backs. As usual, they sound part of a well-oiled machine with synchronised moving parts, powering through one edgy post-punk riff to the next.

IDLES return to the stage on Australian shores with a taste of their 2018 release, which they toured on the last visit, Colossus, revving up the crowd with the lyric "goes and it goes and it goes". Following the song, frontman Joe Talbot asks the room to split, which turned into a contained mosh. Also, by the second song, guitarist Lee Kiernan seemed to find himself sitting atop a portion of the crowd in the first row.

With the show landing on Halloween night, the group dressed appropriately for the occasion, bassist Adam Devonshire as a #1 foam hand, Kiernan a nurse, guitarist Mark Bowen a Christmas turkey wearing a Santa Claus hat, drummer Jon Beavis as a shark, and Talbot wearing a neon pink mullet.

Beachland Ballroom was a highlight, with the frontman shouting the lyric "damage, damage, damage" at the top of his lungs in the most heartfelt manner.

"These boots are made for stomping," from Never Fight A Man With A Perm, set the tone for the remainder of the night, the crowd stomping across the wooden floor, which shook the entire venue. It was a beautiful energy, as described by Talbot, who removed the wig “due to it feeling like a "pair of sunglasses".

Toward the finale, IDLES revisited The Idles Chant. Shortly after its drum beat commenced, Talbot stopped Beavis, asking, "Is that it?", exclaiming that he might not remember the lyrics but would "try it”.

Anyone lucky enough to have acquired a ticket to their sold-out tour will is in for a treat. "It's an Australian miracle!"

Setlist

Colossus

Car Crash

Mr. Motivator

Grounds

Mother

Samaritans

Crawl!

1049 Gotho

When the Lights Come On

The Wheel

Television

A Hymn

War

Wizz

Beachland Ballroom

Never Fight A Man With A Perm

I’m Scum

The Idles Chant

Danny Nedelko

Rottweiler