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Brutalism
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Brutalism Image
Metascore
88

Universal acclaim - based on 6 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 65 Ratings

  • Summary: This is the debut full-length release for the British post-punk band led by Joe Talbot.
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Top Track

Well Done
Well done Why don't you get a job? Even Tarquin has a job Mary Berry's got a job So why don't you get a job? Well done Why don't you win a... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. Drowned In Sound
    Dec 18, 2017
    90
    Brutalism has lost none of its bite and stands peerless as a staggering album of unmatched sincerity and self-assuredness.
  2. The Line of Best Fit
    Mar 16, 2017
    90
    Idles are one of the most exciting British bands right now and Brutalism is proof.
  3. AllMusic
    Dec 11, 2017
    90
    It's the razor-sharp precision of his words that allows for effective interlocking with the rest of the band, so much so that they seem to move through each song as a combined force of nature, matching tight yet crunchy instruments to the poignancy of every syllable.
  4. PopMatters
    Mar 16, 2017
    80
    Brutalism is bracing, caustic, and relentless from the speed-tweaked industrial drum beat that lights the fuse of “Heel Heal” to the final confessions of “Slow Savage” at the end. It is also one of the more clever and articulate rock records you will hear this year.
  5. Uncut
    Mar 16, 2017
    80
    A rare rock record with the rage, urgency, wit and shattering of complacency usually found in grime. [Apr 2017, p.32]
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  6. DIY Magazine
    Mar 16, 2017
    80
    Raging at full throttle, IDLES’ debut is as dirty as it is messy. An exhilarating escape along frenzied rhythms and powerhouse rhythms with a ferocious commentary for guidance, Brutalism is as vital as it is volatile.

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 5
  3. Negative: 0 out of 5
  1. CadWizard
    Sep 11, 2017
    10
    Wow!! This has to be one of the best debut albums for years!! There is something very relevant in this album and band that you won`t find inWow!! This has to be one of the best debut albums for years!! There is something very relevant in this album and band that you won`t find in many other places!!!… Expand
  2. Joyasanactofres
    Dec 28, 2021
    10
    This is a wonderful post-punk record. The guitar work and performance are relentless and invigorating. I love the lyrics too which are oftenThis is a wonderful post-punk record. The guitar work and performance are relentless and invigorating. I love the lyrics too which are often indirect but well-thought-out. Like the song "well done" which satirizes how society imposes these common standards onto others. I find this album intriguing and overall refreshing.… Expand
  4. sidd667
    Jan 4, 2023
    9
    Awesome! This album it's intense and chaotic in so many ways. Joe Talbot sings like a angry dog barking, Bowen and Kiernan follow the sameAwesome! This album it's intense and chaotic in so many ways. Joe Talbot sings like a angry dog barking, Bowen and Kiernan follow the same sound of anarchy, Devonshire have a strong sound of bass and Beavis plays drums like there's no tomorrow.… Expand
  5. TheQuietGamer
    Jan 21, 2018
    8
    All of the angst, energy, and wit one could want from a punk album. It's a sarcastic attack on just abut every aspect of modern life likeAll of the angst, energy, and wit one could want from a punk album. It's a sarcastic attack on just abut every aspect of modern life like religion, education, sex, and so much more. Not exactly new stuff for a punk band to whine about, but Idles are able to do it with a flow and relentlessness that will keep listeners engaged. It's some of the most exciting and relevant punk out there right now.… Expand
  6. Ricko
    Jul 12, 2019
    8
    Pounding drums and bass driving everything. Harshly distorted chainsaw guitars cutting away. Vocal chords being shredded. A violent sound thatPounding drums and bass driving everything. Harshly distorted chainsaw guitars cutting away. Vocal chords being shredded. A violent sound that catches you with lyrics that melt the heart and preach love, peace and unity. All these elements combine to produce one of the finest genuine punk albums in years. Arguably a better album than it's breakthrough follow up "Joy As An Act of Resistance". "Mother", "Faith in the City" and "Rachel Khoo" are all standout tracks but this collection of songs works very well as a whole. Great stuff.… Expand