Their was an intense crescendo of live music at Brisbane's The Riverstage on Saturday night as IDLES outdid all expectations.
I had never listened to IDLES previously, but had heard of their name many, many times, typically attached to extreme praise. I figured I had to see what the fuss was all about. So I approached The Riverstage (18 January), and what I found was a thick mallet of music smashed straight to the face.Firstly, we must get our dos in order and thank the fantastic supports. VOIID, a local Brisbane four piece filled the stage. I caught their infectious positive aura and danced to their rock songs. I had a really authentic, fun time.
Next we gathered some synths for Nation Of Language, all the way from Brooklyn, New York. Positive auras and high performative energy continued. Just like VOIID before them, Nation Of Language owned the stage with their own personality really shining through; it was such a delightful experience to witness.
IDLES - image © Kalem Horn
Now it was time for IDLES with the energy beginning at 10. Lead singer Joe Talbot's words escaped him at high velocity. Statements thrown toward my organs; shouts cut through like knives.
The rain did not temper anyone's spirit. We shouted right back: "I'M SCUM!" Guitarists Lee Kiernan and Mark Bowen had had enough and had to get amongst it. They jumped into the crowd. A bed of hands lifted them with enthusiasm. As they lay, their fingers strummed droning guitars while uvulas below screamed in support.
Energy only dropped momentarily to 8.5 for a quick check up from the band to see how everyone was going and to state what should be the obvious (but sadly isn't): down with facism, look after each other, love yourself.
Strobing lights begun once more. Kiernan flung around his side of the stage in a way that could only be described as an exorcism. Joe continued to be on the brink of explosion if the words did not escape his gut.
IDLES - image © Kalem Horn
Bass and kick drum hit you like a fly kick to the stomach as bassist Adam Devonshire and drummer Jon Beavis maintained the heartbeat of the moment.
The mosh whirled akin to washing machine movements as Bowen climbed the barrier and swam into the blur of the crowd. The diving cord of his guitar was lifted above the crowd and acted as the only indicator as to where he was in the human whirlpool
I lifted my camera periscope to get a better look as Mark rushed right past me. I decided to follow as the sea parted before him. Mark, with guitar long since unplugged, reached the fence of the sound tent many, many metres from stage. "HEY!" he yelled with a cheeky grin and waved at the sound and lighting team. He turned and disappeared back into the ocean.
IDLES - image © Kalem Horn
The riptide pulled me back in too. Surf conditions were good as multiple people crowd surfed left to right and right to left. Everyone was incredibly well behaved and looked after each other's scumful selves.
At this point, deep into the show, it was clear this was a bloody good one. Endorphins fired on all cylinders as we screamed and thrashed. Right up until the last. . . moment.
- written by Kalem Horn
More photos from the concert.
