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The fifth album by dles opens with a piano playing arpeggios and closes with a brief saxophone solo. A lively song called Dancer celebrates the joy of bodies dancing closely together, with backing vocals by James Murphy and Nancy Whang from the popular band LCD Soundsystem. Another standout track on Tangk is Grace, which incorporates the contemplative synth sounds from LCD’s song Someone Great.
Since Idles’ first three albums were characterized by aggressive energy and intense guitar work, it’s evident that a significant change is underway. The band from Bristol gained recognition for tackling issues like xenophobia and toxic masculinity through their punk-influenced music, and their meticulous attention to musicality set them apart from the typical angry riffs of the genre. However, they now seem to be transforming into something new yet again: a rock band with aspirations for growth and a desire for more subtlety in their sound.
Nigel Godrich, also known as the unofficial sixth member of Radiohead, collaborated with Idles guitarist Mark Bowen and producer Kenny Beats in the production of Tangk. This collaboration allowed for more experimentation and creativity in the sound of the album. Various elements such as drones, distorted sounds, instrumental improvisations, and synthesizer-like effects can be heard in the background of several tracks on Tangk, adding layers and dimension to the music.
In addition, lead singer Joe Talbot expresses a range of emotions through both seething and singing. He also incorporates sprechgesang in some parts, while even including a waltzing piano track, “A Gospel.” Marketed as a collection of love songs, Tangk showcases Idles’ progression from their well-known niche to a more expansive display of power, similar to their 2021 album “Crawler.” The connection between the two albums can be seen in “Crawler’s” powerful, old-fashioned waltz “The Beachland Ballroom,” where Talbot fully embraces his inner crooner.
Despite some attempts at a more aggressive and impulsive approach, he still maintains some of his wildness. The song “Hall & Oates” takes a more direct and traditional approach. Talbot’s passionate performance of “Dancer” gives the impression that dancing is more of a battle (or a lively physical encounter).
Gift Horse, one of the album’s most accomplished songs, showcases Idles’ trademark powerful drive. It’s a catchy tune. “He speeds up and leaves you behind,” Talbot grumbles about the song’s horse subject, but he could also be referring to his band. He still has a knack for delivering concise phrases. “Don’t allow the jerks to turn your inch into a mile,” he advises on the stalking, stripped-down track Pop Pop Pop.
In recent years, the lead singer of Idles has openly discussed the band’s approach and beliefs, as well as his personal experiences as a caregiver for his late mother and struggles with addiction. The album Tangk reflects Talbot’s contemplation on love, empathy, and appreciation – traits that may not immediately align with the intense anger that Idles is known for, but are integral to their journey.
Both Talbot and Bowen, who is a guitarist and co-writer, are now parents. When Talbot refers to “my baby” in his singing, he is usually talking about his young daughter who is now four years old. In 2017, Talbot and his partner at the time experienced the loss of their first daughter, Agatha, who was stillborn. On the album Gift Horse, Talbot’s lyrics reference “his baby” who questions the need to kneel before a new king with innocent logic. Talbot bluntly but accurately concludes that “Fuck the king, he ain’t the king, she’s the king!” On the tracks Grace and Tangk, Talbot reiterates the sentiment of “No God, no king, I said love is the thing.”
In an article for the Big Issue, Talbot outlined a manifesto for the current state of Idles. Drawing from bell hooks’s All About Love and Aesop’s Fables, he explains, “I quickly understood that in order to receive empathy and grace, I must first show empathy and grace. It became clear to me through Tangk that I desired love. I craved love. Therefore, I had to give love and show love.”
Therefore, the artist has created a collection of romantic songs dedicated to a man, horses, and a new romance. In addition, they have coined the term “freudenfreude” in their novel, which is the opposite of schadenfreude and involves experiencing joy at the happiness of others. Overall, Tangk has effectively propelled Idles towards a sound that is more grandiose without sacrificing speed.
In songs like the gradual and emotional ballad “Roy,” they reach their peak. During the climax, Bowen’s guitar becomes distorted and unrecognizable, drummer Jon Beavis skillfully adds more tension, and Talbot sings “baby, baby, baby” with a soulful and murky tone. There is often concern about who will be the next big festival headliners. Idles, who used to be seen as local troublemakers, are now rising in popularity.
Source: theguardian.com
