IDLES - TANGK ALBUM REVIEW

[@eddiecampos]

WHY DOESNT TANGK GET AN 8 EVEN BRUTALISM HAS AN 8 ULTRA MONO HAS A 8 SO WHY DOESNT TANGK GET AN 8 WELL DONE

[@furornostalgico]

Love this hahaha

[@timevison2928]

I see what you did there.

[@DISCOD00D]

Because it's considerably worse than both :)

[@romilrh]

@@DISCOD00D WHY DON'T YOU LIKE TANGK EVEN @romilrh LIKES TANGK @eddiecampos LIKES TANGK SO WHY DON'T YOU LIKE TANGK WELL DONE

[@nicolasriveros943]

Melon better pin this comment

[@thelemonoftroy]

I haven’t put it down these last few days. Pop pop pop, Gifthorse, Grace and Roy are faves for sure, despite their different sounds and structure. The atmosphere in PPP is a slow burn but I love the depth and darkness it gives. Hall and Oates was a surprise banger as well. They’re such an important band and I think this was a great step for them.

[@gleebybooer]

the bass tone on gifthorse is amazing and I have been trying to replicate that sound for a minute, its so so good

[@Clutchy42]

The run of tracks from the opening to Roy is insane. I've listened to this record just shy of 20 times since it dropped. Legit cannot put it down.

[@jakethehuman7]

You speak facts

[@pedrokronbauer6722]

POP POP POP is huge, definitely my favourite track on the record

[@CallanCummings]

It’s so fun, and I think maybe some first impressions from fans have forgotten that music doesn’t have to be so serious all the time. IDLES have always had an element of tongue in cheek, and they haven’t lost it here. The complaint I’ve seen a lot of Tangk is their diversion away from their original sound.

[@alecadabra_]

Such a solid album. Joe has become a better singer and lyricist on every record, and the production on this is incredible

[@coleminer5104]

nigel godrich did a great job working with them and helping them mature their sound

[@hhelminn]

the lyrics are still so ass

[@whatsahellhell]

Just not true though is it. Crawler was a statement, and on this, he sings about... nothing. Every lyric was written in the studio while recording, so clearly little effort has been put into the lyrics, and that's obvious. I wish Joe sung about his current super interesting thoughts that I've seen in interviews, but nah. He sings about absolutely nothing instead.

[@leograce9105]

No he hasn’t

[@danny.nedelk0]

​@whatsahellhell I agree. The lyrics are disappointing imo

[@mauriciocorrea4811]

Antano is the fing?

[@DanHunterSportsWriter]

This guy's area is hip hop, rap, and RnB. it's therefore totally pointless getting his opinion on an Idles album. As the saying goes: "Stay in your lane dickhead!!"

[@sideburns38]

I agree. I appreciate their effort to mature as a band but I miss their old hard hitting sound.

[@domizidor]

I think, sometimes its not possible to preserve the same kind of energy you had when you were young, and angry. Maybe its better to move on. Or at least try.

[@walkerstandard2373]

That sound was also a product of Joe's mental state (distressed) at the time. He's gotten healthier and I think you can see the effect that's had on the band's direction over the years. I definitely fall in the same bucket as you though, with Brutalism & Joy as an act of resistance being my favs. If you haven't already, I'd check out their Live @ the Bataclan album where they play songs from those two albums with some phenomenal live mixing. 😄

[@67P-CG]

It's kind of full circle though. Their very early stuff was a lot less brash, like Meydei.

[@boat1280]

@@domizidorthey weren’t even young when they stayed though they were like mid 30’s

[@domizidor]

@@boat1280 its not twenty, but thats not old 😀

[@harvey2449]

As someone from Bristol who stumbled upon idles at one of their first shows and has been glued to them ever since I’m really enjoying the new sound they have given over the last two albums and hope for many more, you feel closer to joe as person when you hear the lyrics and how he sings them you know they come from his life experience the pain and the love, Crawler was possibly my 2nd fav album in 2021 and on par for one of my fav idles albums but it has a fight on its hands with tangk (but saying that I really can’t pick a fav idles album they are all just so good in so many different ways you can’t compare them) LOVE IS THE FING

[@mysteri0usbr0adcast53]

I was floored when I found out the song Gratitude had themes of gratitude

[@enoughmusicchris]

I really hope KennyBeats keeps throwing his hat into the ring with bands like this, he’s adding a lot to this record

[@Halp88]

I really enjoy the dark and grim vibes we have gotten on Crawler specifically but there is also some of that here, I just with (like crawler) there was more explosive moments that harken back to their raw and loud sound

[@elifishwhat]

i 100% agree, i think crawler is honestly their best record and it fits the band so well

[@koneheadcokehead4981]

Idles have been on a fantastic run recently and it's good to see that continue into this album

[@jaredandell126]

Agreed, I think Crawler and TANGK are some of if not their best releases to date. Hearing them go from angry and violent to peaceful and content has been beautiful

[@alastairmcleod5089]

I loved Crawler, it was a great minimalist effort after the maximalist Ultra Mono. The stripped back sound really worked for the band with that record i thought. sad to see melon wasn't as big on it

[@troye43]

The album has grown on me quite a bit after several listens. I find myself going back to it more. I do like the more aggressive songs from previous albums. Although, I am enjoying this album more and more.

[@EdoCFH]

My concern about this album is that there is not a lot into it... I think a lot of the songs build up for nothing or just vanish. I really feel a lot of the song sounds like their half of a song.

[@timk6181]

Yep it's empty. Crawler was loads better IMO.

[@custardbaby4]

I would honestly blame that one on Nigel Godrich's production tbh. If you listen to the work he produced more recently where he's had significant creative control - Radiohead's _A Moon Shaped Pool_ & The Smile's _A Light For Attracting Attention_ are the two examples that come to mind - a lot of the songs just kind of melt into foam and vanish in lieu of another verse or a proper ending.

[@s4119068]

Agreed lads. Not their best effort

[@InRainbows287]

⁠​⁠@@custardbaby4 I personally thank Nigel Godrich for this. You should watch the NME interview with Idles lead singer. Maybe that would make you understand the album more.

[@portcornernoise]

Seen Idles at Primavera Porto 2018 and was floored, Brutalism is the highlight for me, it has been downhill since then, they want to embrace a larger audience fair enough but I am out

[@Guffman843]

When they were dropping the singles, I was hyped for TANGK. First couple listens of full album, was underwhelmed by the other songs. TANGK has grown on me, the more I listen to it and now I really like the direction they took on the album.

[@barcelomrozovic1625]

This album is a massive grower for sure

[@eubie6506]

some of the songs don't build enough imo but i definitely think it's the most wholly solid album since joy as an act of resistance

[@someymix]

i was at the bowery ballroom show a few weeks ago, some of these songs sound insane live…go see them this tour.. also crawler is an amazing album

[@HermanWaldorf]

yep, I saw them in Milano few days ago. Some songs that are not impressive on their records become killer songs when played live.

[@ExquisiteMeal]

Jungle is such a good track

[@PlateOfSpaget]

I can understand why the reception to this has been a little varied, but I’ve been really digging this next step in their evolution (POP POP POP is a grower but a BANGER)

[@stekarenhd6911]

Roy is such a flawless song! Love the album as a whole. I think it represents all aspects of idles pretty well.

[@hermano_mario]

Nothing will ever top Joy, but some solid tracks for sure. Gift Horse is so good.

[@guy8029]

Saw IDLES for the first time last Friday at an outstore show, where they debuted some of these songs for the first time, they opened with IDEA 01 and it was very different to see the audience who were so hyped to see them, hear this much slower stripped back sound as the band sort of came on stage one by one. The online camp of IDLES fans is definitely split into two, those who love the new album, and those who “miss the old stuff” and it was strange to see this dynamic live with people around me. I personally love this album, and songs like Grace and A Gospel work better in a live setting I feel. I’m excited for what the future brings as this definitely seems like a transition, a few songs from CRAWLER had similar feels to songs off TANGK, i.e. Progress/IDEA 01, When The Lights Come On/Gratitude - perhaps this is the sound they’re aiming for? Bowen has said (not on record, but at meet and greets and outstore events) they are already working on the next record, so we may not have to wait long.

[@4242Chucknorris]

As a Radiohead fan I really loved this album and thought it was one of their best. I get Melon likes them in a different place, but bro let the boys make some chill music 😭🤣

[@TrueHypnosis]

As a major Radiohead fan, listening to Tangk was a delight and I enjoyed Nigel’s input

[@Dreakz]

I loved ROY but yea i miss the sound from Joy as an act of resistance

[@Lyndanet]

I prefer the album before this one very much it’s better

[@Oxbayer]

IDLES are an all time band for me. Their set from The Basement last year solidified that. Passion, authenticity, energy, fucking FUN. You can see it plainly in how they craft their art and it’s infectious.

[@yangxiaolong1862]

I really miss the Pre-Ultra Mono Idles. There new stuff just doesn't do it for me.

[@Bobby_sprinkles]

I can see why, but just feel glad you've got those albums to reflect back on and listen to. Bands grow and so do we. Sometimes it doesn't always align

[@ZrankFappaH]

@@Bobby_sprinklesThat’s a great way to put it! I have followed Idles for a while now and always enjoyed the new releases. But this new one makes me wants to lock myself away and cry lmao. It just has such a sad dark feeling to it. Only song that gets me up and wanting to move is (no surprise) the track called ‘Dancer’

[@Bobby_sprinkles]

@@ZrankFappaH I can see why the new one isn't for everyone. It's my favourite Idles album to date. I've never been a huge fan of them but this is their only album that feels like a storybook to me, rather than a bunch of songs put together. It's good for bands to grow though. We all adapt and change as we age and bands should be no different to individuals. It's when bands stagnate that I worry for them the most.

[@CIRCLEOFTONE]

Yeah the personal "mother" style stuff was way better than the clumsy first year college politicking preachy stuff. Production and guitar sounscapes went up thier arse too

[@Bobby_sprinkles]

@@CIRCLEOFTONE they've always been a political band 🤷‍♂️

[@steveruta3248]

sometimes i think where you consider a song as failing to launch or escalate was actually intentional in the songs formation. i like the ups and downs of the album. if every song stood out individually the album itself wouldn't flow the way it should as a whole.

[@drlongwind]

I really love Idles. One of my top 5 bands I reckon. While I initially thought that Ultra Mono and Crawler were steps down from their earlier highs, I've come back to these albums again and again. On Tangk, I need more time with it, but I enjoyed the vibe. Despite loving LCD SS too, I think Dancer is actually the track I'm most likely to skip. Also, Idles have used quiet endings before to very powerful effect. (I'm the worst lover you've ever had.) Looking for this ending to be a slow burner too.

[@MetallicaFan5591]

“Again and Again..” 🤘

[@cameronharvey4746]

I really loved Crawler, it was one of my favorite albums that year. I was also really hoping that this album would be a development of that, I was ultimately left pretty disappointed and kind of flat after listening to this one.

[@theshowershow]

I've noticed in their live sets Joe has been pulling back his screaming vocals over the years as age takes a better hold of him, so the band's sonic transition seems natural rather than forced. We are on the last leg of idles and I think we should appreciate what we got from the band

[@khunnth6071]

What orifice did you pull the 'last leg of Idles' from? End of an era maybe. Bowen already confirmed they have plans for their next album. These guys aren't going anywhere, and even if they're slowing down they aint stopping ajytime soon

[@theshowershow]

With the average modern hardcore punk band not lasting much more than 8 years consistently together. Looking at idles after 5 albums 2 EP's and 12 years it's not smart to think the next album maybe the last one, we are not getting 3/4 more albums after tangk bro get over it just go to a show near you before it's too late good things never last Also spellcheck

[@scottwistinghausen1888]

It’s a decent album but honestly all of their new albums just show me how special “joy as an act of resistance” it was lightning in a bottle

[@cassidymav]

Loved Jungle, actually loved the eerie instrumentation of the album, it's so intimate and heartbreaking at times. Ultramono must be my fav album, but I'm loving this one very much. 💚

[@JustAnotherQuantumWaveFunction]

As a huge IDLES fan, my favorite album is Joy. BUT I really love this new album. My record will be here next week, and I'ma spin it a lot.

[@anatoly7382]

"IDLES went Radiohead" Godrich's influence is very prominent on TANGK and this album moving in the same direction as CRAWLER. It's even more quiet and full of experiments. It's definitely not the introduction to their discography like "Joy as an act of resistance" which is their best but still pretty solid and full of interesting ideas. And yeah, POP POP POP is the IDLES version of Idioteque for me

[@michaels.8388]

I lately listened to this album and one track really caught my attention: It was when the album was over and spotify startet playing "aint no thief" by Viagra Boys. That sums up my opinion on this album.

[@boototom]

I agree they're still exploring to evolve properly but haven't found a way to release an album as consistent as their first releases but I really like how they try to not sound the same and I'm confident they'll succeed.

[@semmitumkaya5390]

Actually, I really appreciate their slower and more toned down songs like "Slow Savage", "A Gospel" etc. For me, their strength overall lays in these songs between the very loud ones. They carry it.

[@Mr.Foggybrain]

Litetally havent been able to stop listening to this album since it dropped! This is such a great record for its genre kicking off early 2024✌️ Awesome to see you review this one!!!

[@swingAE86]

After hearing how much Joe's singing has improved, And seeing them go in a much more subdued direction lately, I'm kinda hoping that they pull off a sort of talk talk spirit of Eden/laughing stock type of left turn.

[@luisantunes445]

Are you going to review the Quadeca??

[@SteveGerrardPhotography]

Yes

[@sergioctavares]

Thing is, they're known for their louder stuff. But if you pick things like 26/27, back in 2012, it sounds just like today's Tangk. Maybe this line of music were always in their DNA. I love it how they can sail calm and nasty seas at the same time, in the same album. They're more mature than ever.

[@barnabyrowe2013]

The minute he implied Ultra Mono was a better album than Crawler I knew this review was cooked

[@ramkay4943]

where is quacomole

[@quastHockey]

Fr

[@drorweininger5831]

Did anybody else find themselves humming Radiohead's Bloom on the first few moments of the album when that piano strats? Can't unhear Godrich's input once you know he's there. I agree with Anthony 100%. That's a great move forward for Idles even if I liked Joy and Ultra Mono way better. I like the fact that they never stop innovating and experimenting. They're such a great band and I feel like the next album is going to master this new direction they took.

[@bradyfriesen9690]

Pretty engaging album all the way through. Didn’t find myself fading out. I loved the closer too personally

[@redamaher3400]

I really like it but then I expect a challenge with bands like idles, Gizz and even QOTSA, who despite being headbangers by trade are clearly intent on reworking their sound with each record. Which is nice when you’ve heard it all before.

[@essbeenz]

Have you seen the From the Basement gig? The quality of live production on that show really showed the subtleties and nuance of Crawler.

[@jonartscc968]

It's so refreshing to hear a generally positive take on this album with valid, constructive critisisms over all the haters being pissed it's not just JAAOR 4 or saying this is somehow the band selling out.

[@SomeDudeQC]

Stoked to see them in September

[@maddie_rose]

This is my favorite album now and I listen to a mix that excludes Gift Horse, PPP, Roy, Dancer and Hall & Oats, not because they aren’t good (these are everyone’s favorites and are mostly bangers) but I’m just obsessed with the dark atmosphere this mix of songs gives. Stand alone, it’s not that the songs are unfinished or empty but I think of it more like a movie score. There’s a larger picture going on that can’t be seen in one of the songs alone. To be fair, I lean more towards goth and post punk music than punk and so I appreciate this vein in their sound more than anything else to be found. This album is a soundtrack. 🤍

[@jcqa333]

Miss so much Brutalism . Heel forever

[@zzeppelin2400]

Just listened to their interview on Rick Ruben’s podcast, which I’m sure to misspell, and I like their approach to writing the songs. Very interesting listen.

[@lilcrank5813]

Very cool review Anthony, but will you review my man Quonkus?

[@DiscoPickle102]

I prefer the sound IDLES have developed since Crawler over their older stuff, though I still like a lot of that as well. This album gives a lot more of what A Hymn gave which I appreciate very much. The "lack" of progression per track hasn't been an issue for me, the tracks do what they want to do

[@wemadeyou1234]

album had me on the verge of tears the whole time. might just be me

[@Freiheit1232]

I'm a big fan of this album already. I think it'll hold up as well as Joy over time

[@Formanian]

I really liked some of the quieter songs on Ultra Mono (my favorites were Grounds and A Hymn) so for me 'Crawler' was their best yet. The earlier stuff is great too but I feel you could really hear how Joe grew as a vocalist on Crawler. I think the Beachland Ballroom is one of my most listened songs in 2023. I really dug the singles of TANGK (especially Grace and Gift Horse) but the rest of the album hasn't fully clicked yet. Maybe it'll grow on me.

[@WB-yw4pb]

what?! Crawler was lyrically superior to Tangk! my god man

[@faye396]

I adore the new album and the old albums, truly a creative and positive influence. And I love them and you ♥️

[@heatforce666]

I really like it. Agree that when compared to their earlier stuff it feels a bit lacking, but it’s only in volume and “aggression”, not talent. Having all of their songs on random, the ones from TANGK fit perfectly and give a bit of softness and fun. Love it ❤

[@zarrrco]

Now waiting for scrapyard

[@PlayingJosh]

I honestly think this could be my favourite idles album

[@carteryesno9364]

Big idles fan, and I found this to be the best album yet, second being crawler, i would go with a mid-high 8 personally

[@tomasmchugh995]

Im feeling a solid 8 after a number of listens. A great step forward

[@randomtransportguyx4397]

Saw them last night live. It was only a 1000 person gig in Leeds UK. The pit was amazing and the atmosphere was the GREATEST thing ever

[@amplidude254]

i really like gift horse. the song feels the most "complete" on the whole album. the rest falls a bit flat, on my ears at least, but i respect their effort to grow and develop their sound.

[@ian_5184]

loved this Coldplay album

[@thatonedude1003]

I really like this album. Even the ordering of the tracks makes sense. And some of these new tunes are absolute bangers in concert!

[@TheCyanSqueegee]

I kinda felt like it was a bit disjointed. The transition from A Gospel to Dancer giving me whiplash everytime sticks out to me

[@mattd1659]

I haven’t really been able to get into anything released after Ultra Mono, and I miss the sound of tracks like ‘Danny Nedelko’. And this album hasn’t changed that sadly, though I can appreciate it is a good album, so I’m pleased for the lads

[@rustytlilbubb-ki6jb]

I’d disagree. Crawler was amazing. This one isn’t quite at that level. It’s a continued backing off approach. IDLES are amazing though & there are great tracks on Tangk. They’re insanely creative & exploring different avenues at this stage is exciting. Great things are ahead IDLES fans

[@blackspring3207]

CRAWLER is the one that got me into them and to me it's the best. For the first several tracks up through Beachland Ballroom I am riveted. New one is a little sedate but it will probably grow on me.

[@datlamahorn]

Pls review White Girl Wasted by Sonnyjim. He is a UK Rapper that sounds like MF DOOM (he actually has him featured on a track, and Madlib on another).

[@MrJules192]

I like the shift taken on Creeper and Tangk is in the same direction. Sounds promising.

[@jfh.8064]

A lot of fans favorite by them is Ultra Mono? Joy is easily their best and most memorable album.

[@nik-xyz]

He said the opposite of this lmao

[@jfh.8064]

@@nik-xyz I’m going off of the comments from fans here not the video. Lots of people in the comments saying their favorite is ultra mono.

[@nik-xyz]

@@jfh.8064 that’s wild to me - I also thought Joy was widely regarded as their best work haha

[@jfh.8064]

@@nik-xyz same. I think it is overall and it’s the reason a lot of people discovered the band, I think some of the comments here aren’t really the general consensus.

[@khasanofdin163]

I'm a bit dissapointed in TANGK sonically after listening to banging Ultra Mono (that's really their best work yet). But I loved the feeling of passion and thick soothing sound of TANGK In general. It's really easy just to start listen to finish in one sitting. In addition, it's very cool that band like IDLES can risk it all and record a chill album after bangers like Brutalism and JOY. Very proud of this guys!

[@dakotasycamore5260]

honestly this band has hooked me i can’t get enough, crawler is one of the best rock records i may have ever heard in the past 10 years and tangk is just fucking dope

[@dsj6677]

ANTHONY, DONT FORGET TO REVIEW "THE HOLLYWOOD LIFE" BY RAP ARTIST DSJ......ITS ALL ORIGINAL BRO. NO LABEL HELP AT ALL.

[@RetroSlacker]

my 3 year old has become obsessed with "dancer". I've watched the video with her at least 12 times. Do with that info what you will

[@adderon]

The nods to Protomartyr and DFA1979 are appreciated

[@realbirder]

Compare this to the maelstrom of ideas, themes and moral urgency of the last Algiers album and it just all seems very mundane and self-regarding.

[@alejandrohdz428]

I'm dealing with a really bad break up and most of the lyrics make sense right now, thats why I think I really liked most of the ballads in this album, not my favourite though, I agree this is a great step in their career!

[@trevcimenski]

this album rocked me in the best way possible.

[@MisterJasonMarsh]

Disappointed not disappointed. I continue to listen in the hope that it will resonate more with me. Certain tracks are impressive, yet overall, it evokes the vibe of a Tarantino spaghetti western film soundtrack. While that's not necessarily negative, I appreciate the sound and ambiance, although I'm unsure about the synergy with the lyrics, which seem somewhat lackluster. Perhaps it's part of the band's artistic evolution, navigating through different creative phases. Without these shifts, they risk stagnation. It's a solid album, although not their pinnacle. Like many Idles songs, it may grow on me gradually. My perspective might change in a year, and I look forward to that possibility.

[@JohnHondo11997]

Every album of theirs is different and great. Tangk might be my favorite

[@sam.xyzzzz]

wheres the quaderkoise review bud.

[@JollyHell]

The album a must listen. 4 solid tracks and two my new favorite. Idles are one of the most amazing punk rock band in our life time.

[@yamszs]

Ty Segall review when?? :(

[@Dragic27]

Sadly probably won’t happen, but he’d give it a 6 or a 7

[@_C_T_C_]

Pop pop pop is such a bop

[@Pixiesforever7]

Dancer is a great track. Lyrics are good as well which i dont think has always been the case in past Idles music

[@Steeps444]

Maybe a bit too niche but if there's a bit of a dry spell, it may be worth reviewing Lime Gardens debut album, absolute belter

[@oamusic4710]

I actually really loved this album. I thought the move towards more industrial sounds worked very well.

[@Subwayslover667]

I dont think I have ever seen a jean vest with hoodie before

[@bipity-bob]

maybe if they called the album "to pimp a tangk" it would have been a ten

[@SolomonGrundy42]

I agree. It feels like the band has stopped being so self-serious and self-aware, such that the album feels like them just fucking around in the studio. Which is IDLES at their best imo

[@antipusrises]

TANGK has some of the best songs the band has ever written. What really gets me, however, is that the level of compression applied to Joe Talbot's vocals has really taken the edge off of his signature cutting growl. Maybe it was a necessary consequence with the style of songs, but it was the one thing I focused on most throughout my listen. That's just a minor complaint though. I think the record is really strong.

[@GimmeAHullYeah]

Great review, mate.

[@Kalas82]

been a day 1 fan and frankly i prefer many of the early tracks, but it's overall down to em mixing things up why i can still listen to every new album sure quality might change, but when you only use one style it can get old pretty fast wasn't the biggest Crawler fan, but minus some tracks i do love Tangk

[@arblankenship54]

Niles looking for something to do while yorke and greenwood are doing the smile

[@megano2000]

I really liked this album, but it's not my favorite. I prefer CRAWLER (Although the first five tracks on TANGK are incredible, the second half just didn't grab me as much).

[@TheCyanSqueegee]

Totally agree, first couple of tracks are solid

[@lurzex5250]

Still waiting for scrapyard

[@nocontextgonzalo]

i fukkknminh LOVED this album