The dark, introspective nature of Idles’ latest release may well disappoint those who love the band for their rabble-rousing, tongue-in-cheek headbangers. But for those who’ve been waiting some time for the beloved Bristolians to take a left turn with their sound, Crawler is an absolute thrill.
Once again, the band finds healing and beauty in their own chaotic vortex, and once again they invite everyone listening to do the same, joining them on their most exploratory and cathartic ride yet.
Brutalism was my favourite album by them and I enjoyed the EPs a lot too. I really liked Joy too and was looking forward to the next releaseBrutalism was my favourite album by them and I enjoyed the EPs a lot too. I really liked Joy too and was looking forward to the next release but was extremely let down by Ultra Mono with it being so one dimensional and the constant treading on old ground. After hearing this for the first time, I knew it'd become my favourite, and it has. The change in direction was 100% necessary and I think that they pulled it off very well. Kenny Beats' production brings a very different feeling to the songs, the progression of them is generally slower and more simmering than bursting with rage like the last few albums. Joe's lyrics are at their best here and they're painfully intimate at times. It's definitely not for everyone and it's their most divisive album yet but if you like it then you'll love it, Cannot recommend it enough. The only gripe I have is the outro tracks because they're too similar to previous albums, but they're still good.…Expand
A personal, reflective album. There is an evolution of sound and attitude across the album. As 'in your face' as you'd expect but there areA personal, reflective album. There is an evolution of sound and attitude across the album. As 'in your face' as you'd expect but there are new layers in sound and production and the end result is consistently rewarding.…Expand
I follow Idles since the beginning... for years I've said to my friends : one of the biggest Punk band, in history, in the making. They areI follow Idles since the beginning... for years I've said to my friends : one of the biggest Punk band, in history, in the making. They are the Sex Pistols but with a brain, meaning they're not about to destroy themselves just to look cool. I liked Ultra Mono, good 3rd album, but did not had the rawness of the first 2 albums... When a year later they release Crawler, I wondered if it was rushed and, therefor, a big mistake. I'm glad to be wrong. They have evolved in the best way possible. I wish one day to shake their hands and just tell them what authentic artists they are.…Expand
A required quick follow up to 2020's "Ultra Mono" which while a decent album, was ultimately a disappointing one relative to expectations ofA required quick follow up to 2020's "Ultra Mono" which while a decent album, was ultimately a disappointing one relative to expectations of Idles. Rather than returning to the heights of their first 2 albums, "Crawler" builds on the direction taken with "Ultra Mono" and improves upon it. The band sound like they have actually gone into somewhat experimental waters instead of just adding some beats to a forced version of their earlier sound. Talbot's vocals are what they are and are a lot of what Idles are about but "Crawler" definitely sees the rest of the band flex their creative muscles. It's far from perfect but it is a reassuring step from a really vital band that haven't been knocked off course by the Ultra Mono experience.…Expand
This is exactly what I imagine British people would sound like, if they were real of course.
Anyways, I'm heavily enjoying the more noiseThis is exactly what I imagine British people would sound like, if they were real of course.
Anyways, I'm heavily enjoying the more noise rock-oriented tracks on here, but I can definitely understand the appeal of several other types of tracks. My main problem with this album is that while it doesn't start off or end off badly, neither of these ends are memorable enough to make the album as a whole relistenable.…Expand
