Bristol punk band IDLES stormed through their set at Observatory North Park, proving once again that they’re one of the very best live bands around right now. The politically-minded group raced through several hits off last year’s potent album Joy As An Act Of Resistance, including “Samaritans,” “Danny Nedelko,” and rousing set closer “Rottweiler.” Singer Joe Talbot was a force of nature, letting loose blood-curdling growls over dark riffage and pummeling percussion. Between songs, he addressed topics that IDLES stand for: pro-immigration, de-stigmatization of mental health and addiction, anti-toxic masculinity, anti-fascism, and most importantly, pro-love. You could certainly feel the love coursing through the audience as fans moshed and crowd surfed from beginning to end. Guitarists Mark Bowen and Lee Kiernan kept the energy high with frequent stage-dives throughout the set. Ultimately, IDLES cemented their status as one of the most vital bands of our generation.
