IDLES _ 'Grace'
British rock band IDLES are back with the release of ‘Grace’, a slow burning single taken from their upcoming album ‘TANKG’!
For those of you that haven’t heard it yet, IDLES is this generation’s punk band, bringing an angry and invasive voice to a generation that feels powerless yet empowered by the eruptive sound of the British rock band that was formed in Bristol. IDLES are known for the punching vocals of singer Joe Talbot and hits such as ‘I’m Scum’ and ‘Danny Nedelko’ of their second album ‘Joy as an Act of Resistance’ which was released in 2018 and cemented the band’s space in this age’s punk scene.
The band is back with the first two singles taken from their upcoming album ‘TANGK’ which will be out on the 16th of February 2024 via Partisan Records. ‘Grace’ is the second, following a collaboration with LCD Soundsystem. On their new single, they show us a subdued side of their musical characters, bringing a slow burning, breathing and driving track that “came from nowhere and everything”. Talbot says about the single: “It was a breath and a call to be held. The only words or singing that came from our sessions with Nigel and I needed it, truly. All is love.”
This soft and sweet side of Talbot is one we only see off-stage, a kind and humane side to the frontman of a band that shouts, screams, and tears down social constructs, which I assume makes the band such a loved one. We all get angry, and want to punch walls, but kindness always wins. IDLES translated this into a charming, yet still chaotically rocking, life-affirming track that smoothly flows into the second (‘Dancer’) of their upcoming album which makes me very excited to hear the entire piece of art.
‘Grace’ sets the tone for IDLES’ new manifesto, with Joe singing “no god, no king, I said love is the thing”, and their manifesto of love triumphing over nihilism manifesting in the form of the most soulful vocals we have heard of them so far. The single and album are, of course, being followed by a series of live shows in November and December of next year. Fans of the band will have to wait a little while longer and will have time to practise and warm up their voices to sing along gracefully to the bands’ latest work. Fans who pre-order ‘TANGK’ will receive access to a pre-sale for tour tickets, remaining tickets for the shows will go on sale on Friday the 8th of December. Tour dates and more information can be found on idlesband.com.
Words by Laura Rosierse
