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The Bands

IDLES: Biography, Albums, Essential Songs and Legacy

todayNovember 4, 2026

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IDLES make loud, furious post-punk with a big heart. Formed in Bristol in 2009, the band broke through with Brutalism and Joy as an Act of Resistance, then topped the U.K. album chart with Ultra Mono and Tangk. They are a post-punk and punk rock band, with noise rock and alternative influences.

IDLES at a glance

Formed2009, Bristol, England
MembersJoe Talbot (vocals), Mark Bowen (guitar), Lee Kiernan (guitar), Adam Devonshire (bass), Jon Beavis (drums)
GenresPost-punk, punk rock, noise rock, alternative rock
LabelPartisan
U.K. No. 1 albumsUltra Mono (2020), Tangk (2024)

Formation

Joe Talbot and Adam Devonshire started IDLES in Bristol in 2009, and the band spent years building a following on the live circuit before releasing their debut album, Brutalism, in 2017.

The sound

IDLES songs hit hard: pounding drums, distorted bass, slashing guitars and Talbot’s shouted vocals. The lyrics take on toxic masculinity, class, grief and kindness, often with dark humor.

Joe Talbot

Talbot is the band’s singer and lyricist. Brutalism was shaped by the death of his mother, and “Danny Nedelko”, named after a friend, became an anthem celebrating immigrants.

Legacy

IDLES became one of the leading bands of the British post-punk resurgence, alongside Fontaines D.C.. Ultra Mono was their first U.K. No. 1 album, Crawler (2021) earned their first Grammy nominations, and Tangk (2024) gave them a second U.K. No. 1.

The albums

Brutalism (2017)

The raw debut, with “Mother” and “Well Done”.

Joy as an Act of Resistance (2018)

The breakthrough, with “Danny Nedelko”, “Samaritans” and “Colossus”.

Ultra Mono (2020)

Their first U.K. No. 1 album, featuring “Grounds” and “Model Village”.

Crawler (2021)

A darker, more varied record, with “The Beachland Ballroom”.

Tangk (2024)

Their second U.K. No. 1, with “Dancer” and “Gift Horse”.

Ten songs to start with

  1. Danny Nedelko
  2. Never Fight a Man with a Perm
  3. Mother
  4. Samaritans
  5. Colossus
  6. Grounds
  7. Model Village
  8. The Beachland Ballroom
  9. Dancer
  10. Gift Horse

Songs we play on The Alternative One

These IDLES songs are on our charts and lists:

If you like IDLES, try

Fontaines D.C., Joy Division, Shame, Sleaford Mods, Sonic Youth and Turnstile.

Frequently asked questions

What genre is IDLES?

IDLES are a post-punk and punk rock band, with noise rock and alternative influences.

Where are IDLES from?

Bristol, England. The band formed there in 2009.

What is IDLES’ most famous song?

“Danny Nedelko” (2018), from Joy as an Act of Resistance.

Have IDLES had a No. 1 album?

Yes, two in the U.K.: Ultra Mono (2020) and Tangk (2024).

Who is the lead singer of IDLES?

Joe Talbot, who also writes the lyrics.

Hear it on The Alternative One

IDLES bring the fury of modern post-punk to our playlist. Catch it on The Modern Rock Radio Show, check the radio show schedule, or press play on the live stream. Want a specific song? Send a request or dedication.

About this article: Written and fact-checked by The Alternative One editorial team. Last reviewed November 4, 2026. Read our editorial standards or tell us about a correction.

Written by: Alternative One

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