Hardcore/Punk

IDLES (w/ Injury Reserve): A Collision of Joy, Inclusivity, and Resistance at Toronto’s History [Photos]

IDLES were wild History in Toronto, ON, on September 7th, one of two sold-out shows, with support from Injury Reserve.

Published

2 years ago

09/10/2022

Neil Van

Article Views: 423

It’s taken me a while to finally see IDLES after hearing countless times over the past couple of years by friends and people in the music community to go check them out. What better time than right here, right now, when IDLES have sold out two nights at Toronto’s History?

There is something special about IDLES and the state of music happening today. Although it hasn’t been all smooth riding for the band with their humble beginnings and difficulty with getting recognized as a band early on, they have come into their own and kept their own spirit despite all the music corporate naysayers. Listening to their albums does some disservice to their live shows. Very few groups can carry off the rawness, excitement, and joyfulness that are on display at their live shows, but IDLES orchestrates effortlessly. Is IDLES the new Nirvana for this generation of angst but a band also promoting compassion and empathy?

IDLES opened with the wildly sonic smasher, “Colossal,” with frontman Joe Talbot pacing back and forth, often coming to the middle of the stage to amp up the crowd. During the break near the end of the track, Talbot commands the crowd to split down the middle, and as the music resumes, the rush of bodies and limbs collide like a human tide; it was such a beautiful thing to watch. Talbot is joined by mostly his original band members, Adam Devonshire, Lee Kieran, Jon Beavis, with the addition of Tina Maynard of Masca, who is taking over the reins of guitarist/keyboardist Mark Bowen, who is apparently on paternity leave.

Throughout their excellent, electrifying set, Talbot is commanding and formidable, and the crowd soaks into his energy and raw emotions on stage and between tracks. Talbot doesn’t shy from being vulnerable and showing compassion to those around him as well, for instance, thanking and chatting with security between songs. The Toronto music community has definitely embraced this band with all their colours. Thank you, IDLES, for promoting compassion, unity and solidarity, which is so much needed in this day and age.

IDLES are currently touring their excellent 4th album, Crawler. Injury Reserve opened tonight for IDLES at History in Toronto, Canada.