Bristol icons, IDLES, are back with their new single ‘Grounds’. Taken from their upcoming third album ‘ULTRA MONO’, and, will be released 25th September via Partisan Records. Produced by Nick Launay (Nick Cave, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Arcade Fire) in Paris, does this mark a brave new direction for the band?
Their unique punk fury has dissipated but, their power has grown immeasurably. Frontman Joe Talbot, speaking of the track said:
“We wanted to make the sound of our own hearts’ marching band, armed with a jack hammer and a smile.”
Unifying society has never sounded this destructive. When Pulp called time on the Tories in 1996 with ‘Mis-Shapes’, it was ecstatic and exhilarating. IDLES have binned the clarion call and delivered a violent reckoning.
Despite lacking their usual energy, this single marks their entrance into a more thoughtful sonic realm. It has a vastness and a breath taking power they haven’t matched before. Roll on September.
*Image courtesy of Tom Ham