Music / Reviews
Review: Idles, SWX
Idles have had a few victory laps in Bristol now. It felt like their sell-out shows at the Louisiana, the Exchange and the Fleece were all triumphs a few years back.
Then there was the magnificent headline slot at Simple Things which really demonstrated just how far they’ve come.
Tonight at SWX feels like another of these occasions. Off the back of a top-five album and praise from nearly everyone under the sun, the hometown heroes returned for a set which pulled everything together.
is needed now More than ever
We had the anthems, we had the stage invasion and we had the signature guitarists in the crowd.
Idles have become much more than a well drilled live act; their relentless touring has clearly given them a wealth of experience and their setlist is capable of inciting chaos in any corner of the world.
Given the fact they sing about the important issues, there’s always a certain amount of tension and anger released in the live setting.
This is reflected by the opener Colossus, a fierce, building and gradual track. Everyone knows that the place is about to erupt as the band rumble out the sinister instrumentation.
They’re absolutely on point and nobody can question them. We hear all of the fan favourites including Mother, Well Done and Danny Nedelko.
It’s still weird seeing people you used to have pints with go from playing bars to selling out one of our biggest venues and playing live on Jools Holland. Their journey is not only inspiring but it’s been a joy to be a part of.
Tonight is a reminder that Idles belong to Bristol and they always will. Even if they end up playing arenas and headlining the worlds biggest festivals, they will always be ours.
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