It may be surprising to learn that Idles, one of the most innovative rock bands to arise in years and an unlikely Grammy perennial, seem to have little background in rock music — at least frontman Joe Talbot.
“My influences come from hip-hop, soul music, blues, garage, grime and jungle,” the 40-year-old Brit says, similar to many people from his generation. “I grew up in a weird middle-class city that was almost entirely white, but my friend’s older brother introduced me to hip-hop when I was 10 years old, and the rest is history.” While he discovered the music of Gang of Four and other postpunk acts that the group is commonly associated with while he was at university, it’s clear that even though Idles are a bruising two-guitar rock band, other influences elevate their sound.
Yet what’s most striking is the way the group’s aggressive music and politically leaning lyrics can be downright menacing, but balanced with a positivity, particularly at their explosive concerts, that would seem at odds with their sound if it didn’t somehow mesh with it so well. Talbot speaks warmly and gratefully to the crowd between songs, and then the band roars into another song and the crowd invariably erupts into a fierce moshpit, often as not with one or more bandmember joining in (while still playing). The performances are so powerful that Pete Townshend recently compared them to the Who’s classic concerts in the ’60s.
The contrast becomes even more dramatic when Talbot (pictured above, far right) is asked about the inspiration for the group’s sixth album, which they’re scheduled to begin recording next month.
“It’s always love,” he replies. “The reason I started the band is because I want to feel part of something much greater than myself. Seeking something better for everyone around you, not just yourself — that’s what love is; that’s what empathy is. It’s not my job to complain about how crap our government is and how dystopian the world is, and I’m not saying ‘Chin up, man, it’ll be alright.’ I’m saying ‘You’re not alone.’ And people who feel they are not alone are less scared, and less likely to turn to the quick fix of right-wing politics, and are more likely to listen to other people’s opinions.”
Musically, Idles are one of the most exciting and innovative rock bands to emerge in years, and their bruising sound has been surprisingly yet impressively noticed by the Recording Academy, which has nominated the band for four Grammys, including two rock nods for the band’s most recent album, “Tangk.”
Awards seem almost antithetical to the group’s stances. “You shouldn’t ask another person for validation, you should be able to just believe in yourself,” Talbot says. “But we have entered into a conversation of validation by making something and putting it out into the world — which is the Grammy conversation. It’s not something you root for or beg for — you work for it. So I understand how lucky I am and I’m very grateful to be here, and to be part of that conversation is beautiful. But to need validation from the award itself would be toxic.”
As for what’s next, the band will be touring hard into the new year, but will take a break in January to record their sixth full-length, again with Kenny Beats and Radiohead producer Nigel Godrich, one that doubtless will evolve the band’s sound even further.
“My mum always said, ‘The boring get bored while the interesting stay interested.’ And I think if you’re interested, you have to go beyond your village perspective. If you stay within your lane, you’re gonna end up with six fingers — creative inbreeding. I’m influenced by so many things and I want to celebrate that. We’re not interested in staying in the village — there’s a beautiful world out there.”