SPILL LIVE REVIEW: IDLES @ COCA-COLA COLISEUM, TORONTO

IDLES

@ COCA-COLA COLESIUM, TORONTO

SEPTEMBER 20, 2024

British punk band Idles took the Coca-Cola Coliseum by storm last night in support of their latest album Tangk. They kicked off the set with “IDEA 01” before jumping right into “Colossus”, igniting an explosion of energy and instantly starting a mosh pit.

The band delivered a well-rounded setlist spanning all five of their albums, pleasing the die-hard fans and gaining some new ones along the way. New classics such as “Gift Horse” and “POP POP POP” sounded massive, perfectly suited for the stadium atmosphere, while the grittiness and nostalgia of their older material absolutely killed as well. Songs such as “I’m Scum”, “Mother”, and “1049 Gotho” had everybody in a frenzy, especially once they played the legendary opening riff to “Never Fight A Man With A Perm”

The group expressed their admiration for their fans by joining them on multiple occasions in the mosh pit, with guitarist Mark Bowen spelling out “C.O.M.M.U.N.I.T.Y. S.O. F.U.C.K. Y.O.U.” while crowd surfing to “Danny Nedelko”. Talbot also showed love for the music scene by wearing a “The National” t-shirt, nodding to the Ohio band playing simultaneously at a venue within walking distance. Fun fact: Matt Berninger, the lead singer of The National, was wearing an Idles t-shirt during their set that night.

TANGK ALBUM REVIEW

The Bristol band really showcased that they know how to have a good time. Talbot danced seductively to rousing applause as they played “Dancer”, the lead single off their latest album. This track was incredibly heavy, with a pounding bassline, jagged guitar riffs, and ear-piercing feedback, all perfectly offset by the irresistibly catchy chorus that is impossible not to groove to.

As the night went on “The Beachland Ballroom” offered a refreshing palate cleanser to all the rowdiness that had come to define the night, and the crowd ate it up. Talbot’s soulful vocals sent chills throughout the Coliseum as the song built up to the chorus: “If you see me down on my knees/ Please, do not think that I pray/ Damage, damage, damage“, Talbot screamed with intensity, his face flushed with emotion.

In true Idles fashion, the five-piece post-punks played their infamous ender “Rottweiler”, unleashing a barrage of chaotic noise that brought the night to a riveting close.

(Photography by Cory Barter)

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