riotfest3k

IDLES is an absolute favorite, and the title of this album pretty well captures one of the reasons why. There is humor and a palpable sense of levity in both the lyrics and music at different points, and Joe Talbot's heart on sleeve approach allows for equal parts vulnerability and, yes, resistance. "I'm Scum" epitomizes the "joy as an act of resistance" vibe and establishes itself as the song you already expect you will sing and scream along to in a communal music festival expereince at some point. It's fun. It doesn't take itself too seriously to be pessimistic or dour. It still manages to share a serious message and to energize. A gem in an already great catalog for IDLES.