Idles by Tom Ham

“Punk rock” is a Rorschach test that brings out the listener’s latent or, in some cases, stated intentions and ideology. Idles have been known to reject that label even if it fits them. But isn’t that what any self-respecting punk rock band would do in the year of our lord 2024? In a world divided by causes and seething with political division, nationalistic jingoism, and blatant contempt for everyone and everything that isn’t in line with personal ethos, who the hell wants to be punk?

It’s exhausting living in a polarized time where everyone either wants to smash the state or lick its boots. No, Idles are a lot of things, but the band that once made an album called Joy As An Act of Resistance does not belong to the No Future crowd or care to promote glue-sniffing ennui. An Idles show is an outlet for happy aggression, a catharsis that is the antithesis of toxic masculinity. The band goes about its sets with reckless abandon, steps up to challenge stereotypes, and almost dares participants not to feel the overwhelming care and honesty in their music.

Is it aggressive? Sure. We live in a red-meat world during vegetarian times, but that’s the point. It’s okay to be angry; the key is to channel that anger into positive change or release it in a joyous, raucous way where everyone can scream, sing, and dance it out.

In 2023, Idles toured with Big Freedia and LCD Soundsystem, which might seem an oddly eclectic and mismatched line-up. But once the festivities were underway, the vibes matched beat for beat. Perhaps that’s what the world needs: more rock, less talk. If everyone is always angry, it may be time to try something new. Idles’ current tour, in support of a new album, Tangk, is called Love Is the Fing. Perhaps the world needs a little more of what the late Georgia congressman John Lewis called “good trouble.” Joy as an act of rebellion, how prescient.

Idles with Ekko Astral play 7pm Monday, June 10 at Revolution Live in Fort Lauderdale. idlesband.com ~ Tim Moffatt