Music / Reviews
Review: Idles, Marble Factory – ‘Glorious’
The night began early for the Idles album launch show with an early start. I headed to the Cider Box to meet up with a large community of fellow Idles fans that go by the name AF GANG.
I was quickly surrounded by Idles t-shirts and fans that had seen the Bristol band all over the world. It almost felt like I was at the gig already as everyone was so hyped for this show.
The heavens opened as we made the short dash to the Marble Factory to find a massive queue as people got their early to collect their vinyl and CDs which were included as part of the deal when buying a ticket.
is needed now More than ever
Joe Talbot bounced onto stage and showed his instant appreciation with the home town crowd: “It’s a beautiful thing to get to share this album with the people who carried us here.”
The band got straight into it with the new albums opener Idea 01, a song that builds in beautiful momentum. The crowd build in the same way before erupting into a mosh pit to my right.
As my beer can was crushed and my hat knocked off during Gift Horse, I could tell this gig was only going one way.
This gig had a glorious celebratory feel to it. With everyone on the same hymn page singing the new songs like they had known them all their life.
The band interspersed old with new and whipped up the crowd into a sweaty frenzy with Mr Motivator and Mother with people flying everywhere including over my head. It was only a matter of time before I flew over theirs.
“This is a celebration of addiction and being a prick, a celebration of scumbags!” shouted Talbot.
As I’m Scum went off, I went up and got a little wave from Talbot as I landed over the barrier and returned to find my friends back in the pit.
Fellow Bristol artist Willie J Healey got a song dedication. Just as I was wondering if he was here, he then flew over to my right – crowdsurfing from back to front.
A Gospel gave us all a chance to draw breath and saw a more tender side to Talbot’s lyrics and vocals. This is a song that is quickly becoming one of my favourites.
Single Dancer fitted seamlessly into Danny Nadelko – great set listing. U.N.I.T.Y was both spelt out and felt during this one as guitarist Mark Bowen leaned over me screaming the letters before launching himself into the crowd.
The show flew towards its end and felt like I had just got there as the band rattled though Rottweiler. People wrestled for drumsticks as they were launched into the crowd.
I was a sweaty mess but I would not have it any other way at the end of easily my favourite Idles gig to date with so many more to come.
It felt like a privilege to share that space with new friends and music obsessed fans. The amount of energy and love in the room tonight is what live music is all about.
Main photo: Matt Barnes
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