This record is the perfect example as to why I'm glad my friend, Sean, and I started this little record club. I have been a fan of Idles since "Brutalism," but I can't say any record they've put out since that one has hit me as hard as that record. On the first listen to TANGK, I felt some familiar disappointment that the sounds and energy of "Brutalism" were still no where to be found. Upon the second listen, a few tracks started to shine and I thought, "alright there's still some good stuff here." By mid week, I fully embraced that this record is on a deeper poetic level, pulses at a slower tempo than previous records, and absolutely rips. Oddly enough, the song that had me dismissing this record on day one (the single featuring LCD Soundsystem) became one of my favorites. And my second favorite is probably "POP POP POP" which is entirely built upon a drum loop that does not waver or change in anyway throughout the entirety of the song -- the furthest thing from the dynamic shifts of "Brutalism." It's for these listening experiences that I'm thankful to do this little ritual, and to rally against my waning attention span.
I agree that this album is a grower. I jumped on board with the band at Joy and loved the bombastic sounds and cocky swagger of the vocals. Their last 2 albums, including TANGK, have both not grabbed me the way Joy and Mono did immediately. Well worth it though because I want to go back to this and Crawler more often to understand the nuisances.
New to IDLES. With no thought about what to expect I got very hooked on this album after a couple of listens. Gift Horse, Roy, Dancer all crush.
Tying into your post, if Joe Talbot’s feeling about the King in Gift Horse is any indication, I don’t think Joe cares too much about flags hitting the ground. That outro/bridge about the King is my favorite moment on an album that has a lot of cool moments.
RECORD CLUB THREAD
Idles - TANGK (2024)
This record is the perfect example as to why I'm glad my friend, Sean, and I started this little record club. I have been a fan of Idles since "Brutalism," but I can't say any record they've put out since that one has hit me as hard as that record. On the first listen to TANGK, I felt some familiar disappointment that the sounds and energy of "Brutalism" were still no where to be found. Upon the second listen, a few tracks started to shine and I thought, "alright there's still some good stuff here." By mid week, I fully embraced that this record is on a deeper poetic level, pulses at a slower tempo than previous records, and absolutely rips. Oddly enough, the song that had me dismissing this record on day one (the single featuring LCD Soundsystem) became one of my favorites. And my second favorite is probably "POP POP POP" which is entirely built upon a drum loop that does not waver or change in anyway throughout the entirety of the song -- the furthest thing from the dynamic shifts of "Brutalism." It's for these listening experiences that I'm thankful to do this little ritual, and to rally against my waning attention span.
Great fucking record.
I agree that this album is a grower. I jumped on board with the band at Joy and loved the bombastic sounds and cocky swagger of the vocals. Their last 2 albums, including TANGK, have both not grabbed me the way Joy and Mono did immediately. Well worth it though because I want to go back to this and Crawler more often to understand the nuisances.
That's actually a great call. I should probably do the same and spend some time living with Joy and Crawler in the way I did with this one.
New to IDLES. With no thought about what to expect I got very hooked on this album after a couple of listens. Gift Horse, Roy, Dancer all crush.
Tying into your post, if Joe Talbot’s feeling about the King in Gift Horse is any indication, I don’t think Joe cares too much about flags hitting the ground. That outro/bridge about the King is my favorite moment on an album that has a lot of cool moments.
Really well put essay. Articulates most everything I feel in a thoughtful and concise way. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you, Justin.