SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: IDLES – TANGK

IDLES
TANGK
PARTISAN RECORDS

IDLES take on a slightly new direction with their fifth LP, TANGK (pronounced as “TANK” with a pronounced “G”). Their signature, ferocious raw powerful punk pop energy continues, with an injection of a more polished, accessible sound. You can’t typically judge an album by its cover, however, TANGK and the explosive artwork is aptly suited.

This evolution could be unwelcome news to dedicated fans of IDLES and their four previous releases. However, while DLES have apparently grown and have matured in their sound, they manage to stay hard, aggressive, and loud, while bringing more substance and imaginative layers to their already impressive catalogue. Textured elements of electronic, blues and jazz are sprinkled into the poetic mix, making this a very complete album.

Lead singer Joe Talbot steps up his intense, melodic presence, demonstrating his musical chops in aces. His dark, deep voice drapes TANGK with a powerful, positive strength. Not to mention the tight performance by bandmates Mark Bowen (guitar), Lee Kiernan (guitar), Adam Devonshire (bass) and Jon Beavis (drums). The polished production of TANGK brings out nuanced details with Nigel Godrich (Beck, Radiohead, Travis, Arcade Fire), Kenny Beats (Vince Staples, Benee, Denzel Curry) and IDLES’ very own Mark Bowen at the helm.

With nary a weak tune in the 11-track release, highlights include, bangers “Gift Horse”, “Dancer” (with backing vocals by pals James Murphy and Nancy Whang of LCD Soundsystem) and “POP POP POP”. Mellower standouts include piano-laden, pulsing opener “IDEA”, “Roy”, “Grace”, and “A Gospel”. TANGK is a very well-balanced, theatric record.

TANGK is the album which will launch IDLES into another stratosphere of supporters. The incredibly well-made, creative videos for “Gift Horse” and first single “Dancer” help to add fuel to the fire. With the decline over the years of the popularized rock and punk genres, with some claiming that “rock ‘n’ roll is dead”, IDLES may just be one of the bands that help to revitalize this aspect of the music industry, with their thunderous, bold musical style.

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